Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), eager to win the European Football Federation (UEFA) Champions League (UCL) for the first time, will play the first leg of the 2022-2023 UCL round of 16 at home on the 14th (local time) against Bayern Munich, a giant who has won six championships. .
It’s a big match that wouldn’t be too much to describe as a ‘preview final’. As PSG were pushed to second place in the group stage, the two teams considered favorites to win the title will face each other in the round of 16.
The current team atmosphere is better in Munich. It is undefeated in all official matches since September 17 last year. On the other hand, PSG is sluggish with 4 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses in the Ligue 1 matches resumed after the World Cup in Qatar. He also lost and was eliminated in the round of 16 of the cup competition, the Coupe de France (French Cup).
However, there is also hopeful news ahead of the Bayern match.
Kylian Mbappe joined the team training the day before the match and completed all training schedules. Mbappe suffered a thigh injury earlier this month and was expected to miss at least three weeks.
According to the BBC on the 13th, PSG coach Christophe Galtier said after training on Monday, “Killian played the entire session today. “We will make a decision tomorrow after discussing it with him and the medical team,” he said.
“It is not yet clear if he will be included in the roster for the match, but he will play if he is included,” added Galtier. 슬롯사이트
Lionel Messi, who is undergoing treatment for a hamstring injury, is also expected to play. When Mbappe and Messi return, PSG, which has recently lost two consecutive league and cup competitions, can operate the ‘MMN’ line and can expect an increase in power. One axis of the triangular squadron, Neymar, has returned from injury and is currently playing the game.
PSG need to step up their game if they want to win against Munich, who lost 0-1 in the 2020 final.
“We are preparing for this confrontation. Our team can play great tomorrow,” said Brazilian striker Neymar. “I like to play big games against strong teams. We have the ability to switch to Champions League mode,” he said with confidence.
Coach Galtier said, “I don’t think Bayern are favorites. It’s 50/50. After tomorrow’s game, no one will be a favorite for the championship.” He added, “I can assemble a better squad for tomorrow’s match.”
Meanwhile, when asked about the match between the two teams, Bayern striker Thomas Müller said, “They are very good teams with very good players.” It is a big game in football,” he said.
The second match between the two teams will be held in Munich, Germany on March 8.