Bayern Munich will lock horns with Olympique Lyon at Estadio Jose Alvalade on Wednesday as we head towards the business end of the UEFA Champions League. The Bavarians are heading into this game as competitive favourites, having secured a whopping 8-2 victory over FC Barcelona in the quarter-finals.
However, Olympique Lyon are no slouch, having beaten Juventus and Manchester City in the knockout rounds so far. The French outfit has shown unrivalled determination, although facing Bayern Munich will be their biggest test yet, as Rudi Garcia looks to continue his side’s phenomenal run in the competition.
Bayern Munich Vs Olympique Lyon Tactical Preview
Talking Tactics
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich are expected to retain their high defensive line despite Lyon’s pacy attack. It will be interesting to see how the likes of David Alaba and Jerome Boateng outpace Memphis Depay and Moussa Dembele. Hansi Flick could also rely on his central midfielders to dominate the game with their technical prowess.
Olympique Lyon
Much like Bayern, Lyon have not been very pragmatic in their approach, even against big teams. However, Garcia might be forced to employ a cautious approach to deal with the frantic Bayern press. A deep-defensive line and long balls could be part of the plan to dismantle the Bavarian defence.
Team News
Bayern Munich
Benjamin Pavard will continue to miss out due to injury, which would see Joshua Kimmich once again retaining his role at right-back. Flick doesn’t have any fresh injuries to deal with and will have the entire arsenal at his disposal, including both Kingsley Coman and Philippe Coutinho. No changes are expected either from the side that beat Barcelona.
Predicted Lineup: Neuer; Kimmich, Boateng, Alaba, Davies; Thiago, Goretzka; Perisic, Muller, Gnabry, Lewandowski.
Olympique Lyon
Dembele is pushing for a start for Lyon after scoring two late goals against Manchester City. There will be no other changes in the side, and even Karl Toko Ekambi will be an option given how much threat he provides on the counter.
Predicted Lineup: Lopes; Marcelo, Denayer, Marcal; Dubois, Caqueret, Guimaraes, Aouar, Cornet; Dembele, Depay.
Key Men
Bayern Munich
While the spotlight will surely be on Robert Lewandowski, thanks to his outrageous scoring statistics this season, it is Serge Gnabry who could play a key role in ensuring a Bayern victory this week. His pace and creativity could be important in breaking down a Lyon defence that has looked unbeatable, at times.
Olympique Lyon
Lyon, meanwhile, will be relying on the services of Depay. The Dutchman has the quality to provide a threat to the Bayern defence on the counter. Aside from him, Houssem Aouar and Bruno Guimaraes will be valuable in the second line of the press as the French side looks to minimise Bayern’s build-up play.
