The Bayern Munich face crucial weeks ahead, with the clash against PSG marking the first challenge in a series of high-stakes matches that will also see them take on Dortmund in the Bundesliga and Leverkusen in the Pokal. Tonight, the Bavarians will host the Parisian side at the Allianz Arena in a vital encounter for their aspirations in the Champions League group stage. Currently sitting in 17th place on the table, Kompany’s men must secure three points to keep their hopes alive of finishing in the top eight spots that guarantee a direct passage to the knockout rounds. With just six points from four matches, any slip-up could significantly complicate their route in the competition (follow the match live on As.com).
The German team arrives with renewed confidence after adjusting their (daring) tactical approach following a heavy setback against Barcelona (4-1). The defense, led by Upamecano and Kim, has shown considerable solidity, with Neuer having accumulated 574 minutes without conceding a goal. Upfront, the Munich offensive has faced no issues, thanks to their two standout players: Kane and Musiala. The English forward recently netted yet another hat-trick in the 3-0 victory over Augsburg, boosting his impressive tally to 20 goals this season. His best offensive ally has been the German international, who contributes with nine goals and four assists. However, Kompany continues to deal with absences including Pavlovic, Palhinha, and Ito.
On the other hand, PSG travels to Munich with the urgency of reversing a disastrous start to their European campaign. Under Luis Enrique, they sit in 25th place out of 36, having only garnered four points. They are under pressure to accumulate points to keep their hopes of advancing to the next round alive. The departure of Mbappé to Real Madrid has created a challenging void, and while they continue to dominate Ligue 1 effortlessly, they’ve displayed alarming fragility in Europe. Criticism is also directed at the Spanish coach, making this match crucial not just for the club’s ambitions, but also to reaffirm his project among the continent’s elite. Luis Enrique knows that Bayern is not the ideal opponent in such situations…
The Spanish manager welcomes Gonçalo Ramos back for this match after he was sidelined due to injury on August 16 during the first league match. However, he may still have to improvise in the striker’s position, potentially using Kang-in Lee or Asensio. His midfield trio (Zaïre-Emery, João Neves, and Vitinha) arrives in great form.
BAYERN: Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Kim Minjae, Davies; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Musiala, Coman; and Kane.
PSG: Donnarumma; Achraf, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Zaïre-Emery, Neves, Vitinha; Dembélé, Kang-in Lee or Asensio, and Barcola.
Leverkusen doesn’t look like the same team as last year, having to come from behind to win 5-2 on Saturday after trailing 0-2. It provided a crucial boost of confidence that they hope to carry into the Champions League, following a heavy 4-0 loss at Anfield. Xabi is dealing with several important absences (Terrier, Boniface, Belocian, Mukiele, Hofmann, and Adli), and Frimpong was forced to exit mid-match last week due to injury.
Fortunately for the Germans, Salzburg arrives with their morale in shambles. The Austrians have struggled in their league, recently losing two consecutive matches (currently in sixth place). Pep Lijnders is losing the credit he had earned since arriving as Klopp’s assistant.
LEVERKUSEN: Hradecky; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Arthur, Andrich, Relative, Grimaldo; Aleix Garcia, Wirtz; and Shick.
SALZBURG: Slager; Capaldo, Piatkowski, Baidoo, Terzic; Diambou, Gourna-Douth, Clark; Nene, Konaté, and Gloukh.
Atalanta sits ninth in the table but needs more room, as upcoming fixtures against Real Madrid and Barcelona loom. Young Boys present a suitable opponent for this, given that the Swiss side has just suffered a setback in their league and currently sits ninth, having lost all their Champions League matches so far.
YOUNG BOYS: Von Ballmoos, Blum, Cámara, Lauper, Hadjam; Males, Ugrinic, Lakomy, Virginius; Imeri, and Itten.
ATALANTA: Carnes; Toloi, Hien, Kossounou; Bellanova, Pasalic, De Roon, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere; Lookman, and Retegui.
The excitement generated by the unforgettable victory at the Bernabéu against Madrid has dimmed due to draws against Cagliari (3-3) and Juventus (0-0). However, Milan returns to the Champions League with the objective of regaining standings in the table. With six points from their first four matches, the Italians find themselves in 20th position, but the upcoming schedule looks more favorable after a tough start (Liverpool, Leverkusen, Bruges, Madrid). The Rossoneri face Slovan Bratislava today, a team that has lost all its European matches so far, currently sitting at the bottom of the competition with 15 goals conceded and only two scored.
Paulo Fonseca will have most of his key players available, but he won’t have the cornerstone of his attack, as Álvaro Morata is suspended. Abraham will take his place, supported by Chukwueze, Pulisic, and Leão. This is a big opportunity for the Englishman, who spoke with enthusiasm the day before: “We have players who have already won the Champions and know what it takes to do it. I want to give 100%.”
Weiss, Slovan’s coach, drew on history to inspire hope ahead of the showdown: “Football is not a science. Twelve years ago, we eliminated Roma, in 2010 Slovakia beat Italy, and now, perhaps, it’s our turn. We are better than in the beginning and have recovered important players.”
SLOVAK BRATISLAVA: Takac, Blackman, Kashia, Bajric, Voet; Ignatenko, Savvidis; Barseghyan, Tolic, Marcelli; and Strelec.
MILAN: Maignan; Calabria, Thiaw, Tomori, Theo; Fofana, Reijnders; Chukwueze, Pulisic, Leão; and Abraham.
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