The Champions League final is within reach for FC Bayern Munich. But who can play against Real Madrid on Wednesday evening? Who has the chance to bring FCB to Wembley? There are signs of a big lineup surprise.
It could be the last big game for Thomas Tuchel at FC Bayern. To prevent that from happening and to make the dream of Wembley Stadium come true, the coach seems to be striking new chords and taking surprising paths. First, Tuchel unpacked his philosophy advice knowledge at the press conference on Tuesday and appealed to his players to connect with their “inner child” and “make it clear to themselves that as children we all wanted to be part of this and these games in the garden replayed.”
And then Tuchel gets creative with his starting eleven: there are signs of a real lineup surprise ahead of the second leg of the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday evening against Real Madrid. It looks like Aleksandar Pavlovic will play for Leon Goretzka in the number six position. In Munich’s secret final training, Pavlovic is said to have stood alongside Konrad Laimer in the A-Eleven, as “Bild” reports. For Leon Goretzka that would mean: first on the bench.
So far, Pavlovic has mainly played in the Bundesliga
In the first leg (2:2), Goretzka was in the starting line-up, but was substituted at half-time after a great performance. Goretzka also had to take a break from the dress rehearsal due to a flu-like infection. Pavlovic was already there – and impressed with a relaxed but highly concentrated performance, including an assist. Pavlovic drew attention to himself and that probably worked and paved his way into the starting line-up at the Bernabéu Stadium. This is a great opportunity on the royal stage for the 20-year-old youngster.
So far, Pavlovic has mainly accumulated playing time in the Bundesliga, but he has only had a taste of the Champions League in two of eleven games – and he only started from the start in the second leg of the round of 16 against Lazio Rome (3-0). Does Tuchel want to evoke the spirit of Rome? Does the coach hope for a repeat of the Italians’ unexpectedly confident game?
Bayern are clear underdogs in the second leg of the semi-final. But it already became clear on Tuesday evening: Even outsiders can make it to Wembley – as Borussia Dortmund impressively demonstrated against Paris Saint Germain (1-0).
Dream central defense de Ligt/Dier reunited
The starting position is at least better in terms of personnel than in previous games: Matthijs de Ligt will also play from the start. The Dutchman has recovered from an inner ligament injury and recently trained with the team again.
This means that the dream central defense de Ligt/Dier is back. Eric Dier can also play despite the laceration on his head that he sustained in the Bundesliga game against VfB Stuttgart (3-1). Raphael Guerreiro, who had an even worse time of it against Stuttgart and sustained an ankle injury, will have to pass.
Video: Press conference with Thomas Tuchel and Manuel Neuer in the re-live
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Source: BR24Sport on the radio May 8, 2024 – 9:55 a.m