5 reasons why Bayern Munich can win the Champions League this season
While all eyes were on the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge during the first leg of the round of 16 ties between Barcelona and Chelsea in the Champions League, a somewhat forgotten European giant Bayern Munich slotted 5 past Besiktas, all but securing their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
It is hard to fathom the fact that despite being hugely successful domestically as well as in Europe, Bayern Munich often gets ignored mainly because of the presence of the two Spanish giants - Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Although the Bavarians have been rather subdued in Europe ever since their triumph in 2013, this could be the year when they can shrug off the disappointments of previous seasons to lift the coveted trophy.
Here are the 5 reasons why Bayern Munich can win the Champions League this season:
#5 Bayern have been in tremendous form this season
After a tumultuous start to the season, the Bavarians bounced back to form in style and are in cruise control of the proceedings, domestically as well in Europe. Leading the Bundesliga standings with a staggering 17-point lead over their nearest rival Schalke, they are in the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal as well.
In their last 14 games in Bundesliga, the Bavarians have lost only once and drawn once. Moreover, in the Champions League, the Bavarians have lost only once - to PSG away from home.
Their European record is envious, to say the least: 8 games, 7 wins, 1 loss, 33 goals scored and only 8 conceded - out of which 3 were conceded during their Champions League encounter against PSG away from home.
The kind of form Bayern have displayed during the season hints at the fact that European glory might not be far away if they get their act together during the latter stages of the competition.