Bayern Munich – Salzburg : Preview & Prediction
The first leg of the Champions League round of 16 between Bayern Munich and Red Bull Salzburg was a 1-1 draw in Austria. With 75,000 fans at the Allianz Arena behind them, the Bavarian club must make a difference on home soil and should be in the quarter-finals. The Bundesliga leaders have been caught out for the first time in this European campaign, as they were on a run of six wins in as many games in the group stage. The Germans have scored 23 goals in 7 games in the Champions League, an average of more than 3 goals per game. The Polish international Robert Lewandowski is no stranger to this success, as he has scored 9 goals in this Champions League, almost half of his club’s goals. The Bavarian number 9 has scored in each of the first 5 games, scoring a hat-trick against Benfica and 2 doubles in Barcelona and against Dynamo Kiev. The 33-year-old striker, who has not scored in his last two appearances on the European stage, is ready to make another impact on the opposition net. Lewandowski, who also missed the last two league games in Frankfurt (1-0) and Bayer Leverkusen (1-1) on Saturday, is expected to score his 10th European goal of the season in the return leg against Salzburg. The Bundesliga’s top scorer with 28 goals in 25 games is on a good run of 12 goals in his last 11 games for the Munich club. The 30-year-old, who scored twice against Greuther Furth (4-1) on 20 February, the date of his last goal, should put an end to his two-game goal drought and recall his three-goal haul against the same opponent in the group stage last season. Robert Lewandowski is the third highest scorer in Champions League history with 82 goals in 103 appearances, but he is closely followed by Real Madrid’s French international Karim Benzema with 76 goals in 136 games. Too far behind Ronaldo (141) and Messi (125), the Polish international will want to consolidate his place on the podium by finding the net against Red Bull Salzburg at the Allianz Arena on 8 March.
Bayern Munich are clear favourites to win the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie. After the draw in the first leg, Bayern didn’t totally reassure, beating Greuther Fürth (4-0) then Frankfurt (0-1), before conceding a draw at the Allianz on Saturday (1-1 against Bayer Leverkusen). A result similar to last weekend’s would not be good enough for this match against the Austrian champions and would send both teams into extra time. Bayern must win this game, and will face a team that has just taken 7 points in 3 league games, without conceding a single goal. Salzburg can make a historic game tonight, which the fans will remember for a long time.
Robert Lewandowski has scored 3 goals against Red Bull Salzburg in 3 head-to-head matches over the last 2 years.
The Polish international is the Bundesliga’s top scorer with 28 goals in 25 games.
Lewandowski loves the Champions League: 9 goals in 7 European games this season.
Bavaria’s number 9 is very effective in the Champions League: 82 goals in 103 games for BVB 09 and Bayern.
Lewandowski has scored 12 goals in his last 11 club appearances.
Bayern Munich – Salzburg : Betting Tips
OVER 3.5 GOALS – Win Odds: 2.25
