Prediction: PSG to win and both teams to score
Odds:
Bookmaker:
Reigning European giants Bayern Munich need a stunning turnaround against Paris Saint Germain on Tuesday evening at the Parc des Princes.
The French giants won the first leg of the two club s UEFA Champions League quarter-final meeting 3-2 in what was a thrilling clash at the Allianz Arena. An equally fantastic match should be in store in Paris.
Paris Saint Germain
The first leg in Bavaria really did show how far PSG had come since their final defeat to Bayern in August. It was a thoroughly emphatic performance from Mauricio Pochettino s men, with Kylian Mbappe once again starring. The victory in Germany also made it six victories in PSG s last seven away matches in the UEFA Champions League, a run which includes victories against the likes of Manchester United, RB Leipzig, Atalanta and now Bayern Munich. Despite that, there is still somewhat of a vulnerable side to the French giants having almost thrown away the game in Germany having gone 2-0 up before the home side roared back with goals from Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting and Thomas Muller. Whilst they did eventually win the game, it extended their shaky recent defensive record. They now have just one clean sheet in their last seven matches in all competitions so that is certainly a weakness that Bayern will be looking to exploit.
Team News
There could be a few key returnees for the upcoming clash. Marco Verratti and Alessandro Florenzi s periods of self-isolation are over so if they produce a negative COVID-19 test, will be okay to return. In even more positive news, Leandro Paredes can be welcomed back from suspension, whilst Layvin Kurzawa and Mauro Icardi could be in contention. Despite that, one question mark remains over the fitness of goalkeeper Keylor Navas. The Costa Rican was substituted against Strasbourg at the weekend so could well be ruled out.
Bayern Munich
For Bayern to progress to the Champions League semi-finals and continue the defence of their crown, they simply must score at least two without reply. Meanwhile, should PSG find the net in Paris, it would require at least three goals for Hansi Flick s men to qualify for the next round. Despite that somewhat precarious position, it would certainly be slightly premature to rule the German giants out of the clash considering their scoring rate. The Bavarians have found the net in every competitive game that they have played so far this season, whilst the last time they failed to find the back of the net came all the way back in February 2020 in a 0-0 draw with RB Leipzig. Meanwhile, their away record in the Champions League is eye-catching having not lost in any of their last 19 games on foreign soil a run that ironically goes all the way back to Bayern s trip to the Parc des Princes in 2017, a match they ended up losing 3-1. It goes without saying that they will desperately be trying to avoid a repeat this time around.
Team News
There was hope that striker Robert Lewandowski would be fit for the trip to France but the Pole remains ruled out. This means that Choupo-Moting is going to continue leading the line in his absence. He is joined on the sidelines by Serge Gnabry who misses out having tested positive for COVID-19. However, the likes of Lucas Hernandez, Jerome Boateng and Leon Goretzka have all travelled despite previously being doubts.
Key Facts To Consider
PSG actually have the better all-time Champions League record between the two sides (W6, L4)
Bayern have not won a UCL knockout tie after losing the first leg since 2014/15
PSG have won all four of their UCL home games against Bayern Munich
Bayern have won 15 out of their previous 19 away Champions League matches
Of the 10 previous meetings between the two sides, the home side has only ever kept four clean sheets
Conclusion
Much like the first leg, this clash should be brilliant. Bayern must get at least two to book their progression, whilst with the talents in their team, PSG are sure to attack. The hosts should have enough to edge proceedings though, with both sides finding the net.
Prediction: PSG to win and both teams to score
Odds:
Bookmaker:
