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The Champions League semi-final second legs take place this week and it is still fairly open to who will reach the final.
Bayern Munich take a narrow lead into their game against Lyon thanks to a single goal during the first leg. Barcelona have it all to do against Inter Milan as they trail 3-1, but don’t be surprised if Barca come out in style in the second leg at the Nou Camp.
Bayern produced a vintage display of German football during the first leg match against Lyon. However, they will be disappointed that they were not able to convert more of the pressure they had into better chances and a bigger lead.
Lyon will attack from the off tomorrow night and will look to push Bayern onto the back foot immediately. Bayern have a very rigid and strong defence. This means Lyon have to cancel out their one goal deficit as quickly as they can.
Bayern have the edge in terms of having more quality players. They have to keep with their positive attacking formation with Arjen Robben controlling the wide areas of the pitch. Sometimes the best form of defence is a good attack.
The pressure on Robben to perform will be greater this time around as the much talked about Franck Ribery will sit this one out. The Frenchman is suspended for this second leg after his red in the first game. Lyon will go into the game upbeat knowing Bayern have their star player missing, but their defence will still be fully aware of the Robben threat which was fully demonstrated to them in the first leg.
Bayern coach Louis van Gaal will be stressing over the fitness of his two starting centres backs, Daniel van Buyten and Martin Demichelis. Both players picked up slight knocks during a weekend match and could face late fitness tests.
Barcelona have a much more difficult second leg against Inter Milan. Barca didn’t really turn up to the match last week, but expect them to shine at home in the Nou Camp – click here to find out why! and read more about champions league bets on our site.
It is highly likely that Inter will travel to Spain and look to defend what they have. It was clear last week that their defence and midfield are strong enough to withstand prolonged periods of Barcelona pressure, but again the Nou Camp could be a whole different story.
The task for Barcelona is simple. They have to go for it from the very first whistle. They come off a 3-1 win at the weekend at home to Xerez, while Bayern only managed a draw against Borussia M’gladbach. Expect the usual star-studded display and plenty of goal threat from Barca.
It is likely that Inter Milan will play another defensive midfield player to cope with the attacking play that Barcelona are certain to produce. Inter manager Jose Mourinho won’t fall into the trap of underestimating what Barcelona can do. He goes into the match with an advantage and he will expect his team to come out winners.
Barcelona will be fired up by the comments that Mourinho made after the first leg victory. There will be no better response from the Spanish team than to win the second leg in great style.
