Last season's Champions League finalists Juventus take on Bayern Munich in the first knockout round of the Champions League on Tuesday, with Max Allegri's side looking to maximise the benefit of home advantage in Turin. They've been in some excellent form over the last few months, having recovered from a shaky start to their Serie A campaign by winning 13 of their last 14 matches in all competitions. They haven't lost a single match since they visited Sevilla in their last European group game.
Bayern Munich vs. Juventus 2016: Time, TV schedule and news for Champions League
Juventus welcome Bayern Munich to Turin for their Champions League first knockout round clash on Tuesday.
However, there’s no doubting that there’s a huge gulf in quality between Bayern Munich and Juventus’ domestic opponents. Pep Guardiola’s side have gone even better in the Bundesliga this year, and have only been beaten once all season. If it wasn’t for a certain set of pesky Catalan kids, Bayern would be comfortable tournament favourites. There’s no doubt that it’s Juve who are the underdogs heading into this encounter.
Key player: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
Robert Lewandowski continued his truly remarkable run of form in Bayern’s victory at home to Darmstadt in the Bundesliga on the weekend. The Polish international has now scored 22 goals in 21 league appearances this season, as well as netting a further seven in six Champions League outings. He’s doubtless up there with Luis Suárez and Gonzalo Higuaín in the world’s best striker stakes, and could well make the difference in a game of fine margins.
Recent history
These sides met in the Champions League knockout stages for the first time back in the 2013 quarterfinals, with Bayern winning home and away and progressing 4-0 on aggregate. Indeed, the Italian outfit haven’t emerged victorious against their Bavarian opponents since 2005, when David Trezeguet scored a brace either side of a Sebastian Deisler equaliser.
Juventus injuries and suspensions
Out: Giorgio Chiellini, Mario Mandžukić (calf); Martin Cáceres (achilles). In doubt: Alex Sandro (thigh).
Bayern Munich injuries and suspensions
Out: Holger Badstuber (ankle); Javi Martínez (knee); Jérôme Boateng (groin). In doubt: Mario Götze (groin); Medhi Benatia (thigh); Sven Ulreich (ankle).
Match date/time: Tues., 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Juventus Stadium, Turin, Italy
TV: FOX Sports 2 (US - English); FOX Deportes (US - Spanish); beIN Sports (Canada); BT Sport 2 (UK)
Online: FOX Deportes (US - Spanish); beIN Sports Connect (Canada); BT Sport live streaming (UK)
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