Champions League: 5 factors that will decide Juventus vs. Bayern Munich
Can Massimiliano Allegri lead Juventus to another final?This week sees the Champions League action resume with another round-of-last-16 matches and Juventus' battle against Bayern Munich is undoubtedly one of the most exciting fixtures to come.It's shaping up to be a great contest between two giants of European football and with plenty of meaty angles to focus on there's certainly lots for spectators to sink their teeth into.Massimiliano Allegri's men will be eager to capitalise on home advantage with a win while Bayern should look to impose themselves as they normally do. It's not quite a case of unstoppable force meets immovable object but this is a clash of two heavyweights and while we can expect plenty of exciting sparring we'll just have to wait and see who lands the knockout blow.Until then, let's examine the five key factors that could decide the tie:
#5 Much depends on the Italians\' self-belief
It's do or die time in Europe's elite competition. Things are hotting up, the stakes are dangerously high and the tensions are rising by the minute – this is the stage where the weak are separated from the strong.
There aren't many clubs who can dictate games against the best team in Germany but when it comes to knockout football teams are often forced to show their hand. The response from both sides will be interesting but it's perhaps Juve who will need to take the tie by the scruff of the neck if they are to come away with a positive result.
With the home crowd roaring them on in the heat of battle, Allegri’s charges will feel extra confident and having reached the final last season, they really shouldn't fear anyone, including Bayern.
In their last seven Serie A matches, they have kept a clean sheet whilst simultaneously scoring 13 goals so they've looked as close to perfection as anybody. Whether or not they can build on those foundations with some feisty self-belief remains to be seen.