Bayern Munich are looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit on Tuesday evening when they take on FC Basel in the second-leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.
Last month, the German side fell to a 1-0 defeat in the first-leg, missing the opportunity to get themselves an away goal in the process. They must therefore be at their best both defensively and going forward to progress to the last eight.
Since the defeat in the first game, Bayern Munich’s form has been somewhat inconsistent with two home victories – over Schalke 04 and Hoffenheim – as well as a defeat to Bayer Leverkusen away from home in the Bundesliga.
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This perhaps displays one thing above all else – they are a much more solid outfit at home. In Europe this year they have won every single game on home soil and they will certainly want this to continue on Tuesday evening.
As for Basel, they will be delighted with how they performed in the first-leg and will now want to complete the job. All of the hard work to get a 1-0 lead would be a waste if they fail to progress to the quarter-finals.
They are in a good run of form at the moment though, so they will be confident heading to Germany. Many will expect them to fall short, but they have relished the role of the underdog in Europe so far this year, so why stop now?
Since the first-leg, Basel have won all three domestic games, strengthening their position at the top of the Swiss Super League in the process. Winning is a habit for them at the moment, no doubt about that.
Looking at the team news for this one, Bayern Munich could be without striker Mario Gomez through injury, although Bastian Schweinsteiger could start in midfield after recovering from ankle ligament damage. For Basel, Kay Voser and Park Joo Ho will both face late fitness tests.
Overall, Bayern – who have won 10 of their last 11 Champions League home matches – are the favourites to progress despite the first-leg loss, but a resilient Basel will make sure this one goes all the way.