PSG-Bayern
Paris, February 14 (PL) - Bayern Munich will visit today without Sadio Mané to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Champions League, expected match with the recovered Kylian Mbappé in the French call-up.
In a Parc des Princes sure to be packed, the red-and-blue and the Bavarians will replay the 2020 Champions League final, won by the Germans 1-0, and one of the following year's quarter-final duels, with the Parisian revenge eliminating the German bogeyman, two clubs full of stars of world soccer.
Julian Nagelsmann's men arrived in the City of Light without the injured Mané and veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, but with such dangerous attacking players as Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sané, Thomas Müller, Serge Gnabry, Kinglsey Coman and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.
For his part, Christophe Galtier called up the star Mbappé, although without confirming his starting lineup, and will be able to count on the return of Argentine star Lionel Messi, after his absence on Saturday in Monaco due to muscular problems, which implies the possible presence on the pitch of the galactic trident, also composed of Neymar.
Kylian returned to collective training on Sunday and yesterday completed the full session with his teammates, a miraculous recovery after the left thigh injury suffered on February 1 in Montpellier.
However, Galtier told the press yesterday that he will talk to the Frenchman and the doctors today before deciding whether he will start the match, which is not a matter of course.
The odds are even for the match, although PSG and Bayern Munich are going through different moments, the former with two setbacks in a row, eliminated by Olympique de Marseille 2-1 in the Coupe de France and defeated 3-1 in Monaco in Ligue 1, while the visitors won their last three matches in Germany, scoring 11 goals.
It's a 50-50 match," said Galtier, while remaining confident in his players.
Nagelsmann also expressed his calmness ahead of the match and considered that if his plan works, PSG's superstars will not have many chances.
The second leg will be played on March 8 at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
