Bayern Munich have a slight advantage heading into the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie against Juventus on Wednesday. The Bavarian outfit lead on away goals despite Juve's impressive fightback in the 2-2 draw in Turin a couple of weeks ago. Needless to say, Pep Guardiola's side can't afford to ease up against their Italian visitors, but they're certainly still the favourites.
Bayern Munich vs. Juventus 2016: Game time, TV schedule and news for Champions League
Bayern Munich lead on away goals alone heading into the second leg of their meeting with Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday.
If Juve are to overturn their slight deficit, they'll have to do so without a few of their most important players. Coach Max Allegri will be without injured star men across the pitch: in defence, Giorgio Chiellini; in midfield, Claudio Marchisio; and in attack, Paulo Dybala. The Serie A side's task was difficult before; now it's even harder. However, they defied all odds to reach last year's final and give eventual winners Barcelona a scare, and they certainly won't have given up hope yet.
Key player: Paul Pogba (Juventus)
It's in the biggest games that the best players rise to the top. And Juventus will be relying on their midfield starlet Paul Pogba to do so here. The Frenchman has been in typically impressive form through the season so far, even if he's yet to open his account in the Champions League. He's got what it takes to make the difference in the centre of the pitch, and will relish the prospect of going up against his old teammate Arturo Vidal.
Recent history
Despite being two of Europe's most storied clubs, these sides have only ever met in four previous editions of the Champions League, and only once in the knockout stages. On that occasion, back in 2013, Juve lost 2-0 both home and away. You have to go all the way back to the group stages of the 2004 tournamnet for the last time Juve won in Munich: on that occasion, a last-gasp goal by the legendary Alessandro Del Piero proved to be the only difference between the teams.
Bayern Munich injuries and suspensions
Out: Jérôme Boateng (groin); Holger Badstuber (ankle). In doubt: Javi Martínez (knee); Arjen Robben (illness).
Juventus injuries and suspensions
Out: Martín Cáceres (Achilles); Claudio Marchisio, Paulo Dybala, Giorgio Chiellini (calf). In doubt: Mario Mandžukić (groin).
Bayern will certainly be without injured centre-backs Boateng and Badstuber, though the versatile Martínez and winger Robben both face late fitness tests.
Juve’s injury problems are much more severe: they’re without three crucial first-teamers in Chiellini, Marchisio and Dybala, while former Bayern forward Mandžukić remains doubtful.
Match date/time: Wednesday, 3:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
TV: FOX Sports 2 (U.S. - English); ESPN Deportes (U.S. - Spanish); beIN Sports (Canada); BT Sport 2 (U.K.)
Online: FOX Sports GO, FOX Soccer 2GO (U.S.); beIN Sports Connect (Canada); BT Sport live streaming (U.K.)
See More:
