Clash of the titans: Bayern Munich v Juventus preview
Claudio Pizarro of Bayern Muenchen celebrates scoring the third goal with Dante and Bastian Schweinsteiger (R) during the Bundesliga match against Hamburger SV at Allianz Arena on March 30, 2013 in Munich, Germany. (Getty Images)
As the Champions League trundles towards its business end, there is a strong feeling of anticipation about all the quarterfinal clashes. The flavour of the draw though has to be the clash of the giants at the Allianz Arena. Bayern Munich are German champions-elect and (barring a mammoth implosion) so are Juventus in Italy.
Both teams boast of rich European tradition but Bayern though has come closest to lifting the trophy in recent times. Only last year they were defied by Chelsea’s defence. And that is what they will face again at the Allianz Arena: a well-knit team that defends as a unit. The last time these two teams met, Bayern ran riot in Turin with a 4-1 win. But this is vastly different team from back then. The professionalism of the players and the genius of their coach make them slight favourites going into this tie.
Perhaps Jupp Heynckes will draw some lessons from Germany’s semi-final loss to Italy at the Euros. Italy lined up in the same system that Juventus do and won the game comfortably. Antonio Conte meanwhile, cannot afford to relax as Bayern apart from tactical discipline have an array of superstars who can turn the tide with a moment of magic. If the 9-2 drubbing of mid-table Hamburg is anything to go by, then Bayern are in devastating form.
One thing that Conte can exploit though is Bayern’s weakness on set-plays. The two goals that Hamburg scored were of corners. With Pirlo’s pinpoint delivery and strong headers such as Bonucci, Cheilleni, Vucinic and others free kicks and corners could very well be The Old Lady’s most effective form of attack. Conversely Bayern too have an edge over their opponents when it comes to pace. Their full-backs are lightening quick and are very adept at attack, also Juventus lack width in defence and this can be exploited by the guile and pace of Ribery and Robben. The midfield of Schweinsteiger and Martinez is quick on the counter and all of the front players except perhaps Gomez have loads of pace. Though what he lacks in pace Gomez makes up with his positional awareness and finishing, he is without a doubt the best striker in both the squads.
A key factor in controlling Juventus of course has to be controlling Andrea Pirlo. If Bayern can do that successfully, they would have the upper hand. Juventus meanwhile with an overloaded midfield have the ability to dominate proceedings and with their quality and if they get a chance to break, they most definitively will. With the wildcard of Paul Pogba available to Conte, he may try to use his speed and the advantage of being unknown to the opposition to great effect. Also with Seb Giovonco likely to be absent after the injury he suffered, the Turin outfit could do with Pogba’s pace.
Alessandro Matri of Juventus FC #32 celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal during the Serie A match against FC Internazionale Milano at San Siro Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Milan, Italy. (Getty Images)
Formation and possible line-ups:
Juventus
3-5-2: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Cheilleni; Lichtsteiner, Pirlo, Pogba, Vidal, Marchisio; Vucinic, Quagliarella
Bayern Munich
4-2-3-1: Neuer; Dante, Van Buyten, Lahm, Alaba; Schweiensteiger, Martinez; Kroos, Muller, Ribery; Mandzukic
Player to watch out for:
Juventus
Arturo Vidal has shown all season, that he can be explosive and solid all at the same time. Blessed with a great left foot, Vidal can score stunners and pick out great passes too. His fantastic passing is overlooked due to Pirlo’s presence alongside him. Also with most of the focus on Pirlo, Vidal is likely to have more time and space to wreck havoc.
Bayern Munich
Bastian Schweinsteiger is one of the most under-rated players in the world. He is the rock unto which the Bavarian outfit is built on. He would be crucial to neutralizing Juve’s midfield and with his versatility he provides great fluidity to the German giants. If Schweinsteiger shines through, Bayern could well take an advantage to Turin.
Prediction: 1-1
This game like most will be won and lost in midfield but the occasion and quality of players makes it a match different than most.