For Bayern Munich, this Wednesday promises to be crucial. The German giant is having a turbulent season with a surprise elimination in November from the National Cup, and disillusionment in the league. Bayer Leverkusen, coached by Xabi Alonso, became German champion for the first time in its history after another victory (5-0 against Werder Bremen) last Sunday.
Bayern, which has lost its splendor, has seen its series of invincibility in the Bundesliga, with eleven titles in a row, come to an end. So suffice to say that an elimination in the quarter-final of the Champions League this Wednesday (kick-off at 9 p.m.), after the draw (2-2) in the first leg on the Arsenal pitch would darken a little more table. The specter of a season hangs over the heads of Thomas Tuchel's men.
Because the task will not be easy against their English opponent, 2nd in the Premier League and who has only suffered one defeat - 0-2 at home against Aston Villa last Sunday - in their last matches in all competitions. In addition, the Germans will not be able to count on several important players, such as Kingsley Coman (adductors), Serge Gnabry (muscle injury) or even Canadian full-back Alphonso Davies (suspended).
Arsenal, who have not participated in the quarter-finals of the Big Ears Cup for fourteen years, will still have to cope without Jurrien Timber, injured (knee) since August 2023. Another major player may not be Of the game. Coming off ten minutes from time against Aston Villa, Norwegian maestro Martin Odegaard was replaced due to a leg problem and is doubtful.
During the first leg a week ago, the Gunners held on after taking on water in the first half. Leandro Trossard's equalizer (76th) allowed the English team to maintain hope, knowing that the latter has lost its last three trips to a German club in the Champions League (5-1 in Munich). in 2015 and 2017). So who from Bayern or Arsenal will face Real Madrid or Manchester City on April 30 in the semi-final first leg?