Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic is a doubt for his side’s Champions League last-16 second leg against his former club Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
The Italians, who came from 2-0 down to draw the first leg 2-2 at home, will also be without striker Paulo Dybala and midfielder Claudio Marchisio.
Bayern rested key players Arjen Robben and Robert Lewandowski at the weekend.
Editor’s Note: This tie is still very much in the balance with both sides very much in with a shout of progressing to the Champions League Quarter Finals. With Bayern having the two away goals from the first leg you would give them the slight advantage but at the same time you can’t rule Juventus out of this won.
In fairness it’s probably a tie worthy of the billing of a final. Bayern who reached back to back finals in 2012 and 2013 while being victorious in one while Juventus reached last year’s final losing to an unstoppable Barcelona side. So we are looking at two top calibre European sides here.
Bayern looked like they already had one leg in the Quarter Finals after going 2-0 up in Turin but Juventus showed the characteristics as to why they reached last year’s Final by getting themselves back in the tie and leveling the encounter at 2-2
Both sides lead their respective leagues and right now you would imagine them to retain those crowns, Bayern retained their a 5 point lead over Dortmund after beating Werder Bremen at the Weekend. While Juventus stay 3 points clear from Napoli after beating Sassoulo on Friday.
Credit has to go to Juventus and Massimo Allegri in particular for managing to turn their season round, it seems as if they had a Champions League Final defeat hangover in the early part of the season as they gave Napoli and Roma are large head start in the race for the Serie A title. That head start has long been eroded and they now find themselves in the driving seat.
As for Bayern it’s business as usual and they will be looking to win a 2nd title in 4 seasons under similar circumstances as their win at Wembley back in 2013. That’s because Jupp Heynckes was making way for Pep Guardiola at the end of the season, now the situation has flipped 180 degrees with Guardiola departing for Manchester City. Can Bayern repeat the feat and the outgoing Manager give a parting gift to the club in the form of Champions League silverware.
With home advantage and the 2 away goals you would put Bayern in the box seat Tonight but as the first leg proved these sides are very easily matched. I think the road to Milan ends for Juventus at The Allianz Arena as Bayern move on to the Quarter Finals. What price a Bayern vs Manchester tie in the next round and Guardiola getting an up close look at his new charges?. Home win for me,
