Heated UCL Second Leg Fixture Awaited between Bayern and Leverkusen Munich, 9 Mar (ONA) — A “heated” atmosphere is expected when Bayer
Leverkusen host Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League (CL) on Tuesday
after both sides lost at home in the Bundesliga this weekend, Bayern
head of sport Max Eberl said.
Ten-man Bayern lost 3-2 at third-bottom Bochum and Leverkusen were
beaten 2-0 by previously slumping Werder Bremen, while also seeing
star playmaker Florian Witz limp off with an ankle injury.
It meant Bayern kept their eight-point lead at the top of the
Bundesliga with just nine games to go. But, it also meant both sides
were smarting ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League last 16 second leg,
with Bayern leading 3-0 from last week’s home first leg.
“I think it will be very, very heated and emotional,” Eberl told
reporters.
He added, “Leverkusen will try with all their might to score goals. And
preferably an early goal from their point of view. And we have to be
extremely strong in defence right from the start. We have to defend,
but also play our football.”
Bayern were ultra defensive in the 0-0 league draw at champions
Leverkusen last month, but Eberl does not expect a repeat.
“It’s not in Bayern’s DNA to manage a lead. In the best case
scenario, we score a goal,” he said.
Bayern boss Vincent Kompany showed he does not think the Leverkusen
tie is over by resting most of his big names for the Bochum clash,
with João Palhinha’s 43rd-minute red card meaning the decision
backfired.
Wirtz missing the second leg would be a big blow to Leverkusen and
Eberl knows it.
“Florian is an extremely important player for Leverkusen. Let’s wait
and see who’s in the line-up on Tuesday,” added the 51-year-old.
— Ends/Khalid