There is a lot at stake as Bayern host PSG amid European woes

Bayern Munich hosts Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday in a clash between two teams that have enjoyed success domestically but appear to be struggling to adapt to the new Champions League format.

After four games, Bayern have lost twice – including a 4-1 loss to Barcelona, ​​led by their former coach Hansi Flick – and are in 17th place, qualifying for the knockout play-offs. phase would be unset.

PSG’s situation is even worse, with the French champions in 25th place – one place outside the knockout places.

For two teams that reached the Champions League final just four years ago and both lead their league by six points, the low rankings are already a cause for concern.

Bayern’s problems are a far cry from their successes in the old group stage, where the six-time European champions enjoyed a record 40-game unbeaten streak with 36 wins and four draws.

The last defeat in the group stage came in 2017 – a 3-0 defeat against opponents PSG on Tuesday.

Aside from Bayern’s defeat in Barcelona, ​​which led to rumors that new coach Vincent Kompany might struggle against top teams, the German giants have impressed this season.

Unbeaten in the league, Bayern suffered their only other defeat in the Champions League away at Aston Villa – a 1-0 defeat in a repeat of the 1982 European Cup final.

As would be the case for PSG, an exit from the league stage remains an unthinkable possibility – and one that could have real implications for Kompany.

The crowded football calendar offers real incentive to finish in the top eight and avoid the additional play-off round for teams finishing ninth to 24th.

Thomas Muller knows PSG, who have yet to play Manchester City, will be keen to make up ground after a disappointing start in Europe.

“Paris’ position in the table does not reflect their performance. They are a super team with great individual players,” the Bayern veteran told BR24 on Saturday.

“There is a lot at stake. I’m glad it’s home.”

– ‘married couple’ –

PSG’s loss to Bayern in the 2020 final – when their former youth player Kingsley Coman scored the winner against them – remains the French side’s closest defeat to the Champions League title.

Between them, Bayern and PSG have won 21 of the last 24 league titles on offer at home, and the two have made a habit of meeting each other in Europe.

Tuesday’s meeting will be the fourth time in six seasons that the two have met. Bayern have won four of their last five games, but PSG eliminated them in the quarterfinals of the 2020-21 competition.

“In the Champions League you almost feel like a married couple,” said Bayern managing director Jan-Christian Dreesen after the draw at the beginning of the year.

PSG’s speedy attackers will be hoping to cause problems for a Bayern team who are missing defensive midfielders Aleksandar Pavlovic and Joao Palhinha.

The out-of-form Leon Goretzka was a good substitute in Friday’s 3-0 home win over Augsburg, but PSG are likely to pose a different threat.

Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano knows better than most what to expect from his French teammates Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola.

“It’s an important game for us,” Upamecano told Telefoot on Sunday.

“If you look at the table, it doesn’t look that great – we’re not where we want to be yet.”

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