If the sequel is half as good as the original, we’re in for a real treat.
The first leg of Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League semi-final tie against Bayern Munich last week has been praised as one of the greatest games ever played in Europe’s top club competition, thrilling neutrals and fans of both clubs alike with a thrilling 5-4 result.
The football world is hoping there’s more of the same in Thursday morning’s (AEST) second leg, though whether Bayern manager Vincent Kompany or his PSG counterpart Luis Enrique feel the same way is up in the air.
While the attacking prowess on show last week was on another level, the defending came in for some criticism, and it’ll be interesting to see whether either side changes their approach for the return leg.
Judging by what Luis Enrique had to say on Tuesday, PSG won’t be making too many tactical tweaks.
“I can’t say that it’s going to be different from what we saw in the first match,” Enrique said. “I think that neither team accepts that the other team is better. It means that this match could be better again.
“We try to win every match. Against Bayern, we don’t need to change anything because our objective is to try to win the match.
“It’s time to give even more to get to the final. It’s important in this type of match for us to show why we are here and try to be the most faithful to who we are as a team.”
Kompany had similar sentiments when speaking in his pre-match press conference, saying: “You have to stick to what’s got the team this far up to now, so it’s hard for us and Paris to play differently.”
Strap yourselves in, football fans.
Match Details and How to Watch
Bayern Munich vs Paris Saint-Germain, UEFA Champions League semi-final, second leg
Date: Thursday 7 May (Australian time) / Wednesday 6 May (European time)
Kick-off: 5am AEST / 9pm local
Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich
Broadcast: Stan Sport
The First Leg
PSG 5 – 4 Bayern Munich
Team News
Bayern Munich
The German champions have no injury concerns of note heading into the clash, with Serge Gnabry the only player to miss out due to his long-term thigh injury.
Bayern rested several players for their Bundesliga match against Heidenheim last weekend, but it’s assumed the likes of Harry Kane, Michael Olise, Luis Diaz and Joshua Kimmich all expected to return to the starting XI against PSG.
Paris Saint-Germain
PSG will be without influential wingback Achraf Hakimi, with the Moroccan flyer ruled out of this week’s game after picking up a hamstring strain in the first leg.
They will also be without goalkeeper Lucas Chavlier, guaranteeing Matvey Safanov’s spot in goals.