Bayern Munich vs Lyon: Champions League Preview and Prediction

Published by William | Filed under Champions League, Football (aka soccer), Predictions, Previews

Robben celebrates scoring the game winner against Manchester United in the Champions League quarterfinals.

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4/21 18:45 GMT Lyon at Bayern Munich – Odds | Stats


While much of the publicity and focus during this year’s Champions League semifinals will be on the high profile matchup between Inter Milan and Barcelona, people may forget that their is another set of European juggernauts on the other side of the bracket. Arjen Robben and Bayern Munich, also commonly referred to as “FC Hollywood”, squares off against a very difficult French team in Olympique Lyonnais. It’s safe to say that most folks didn’t expect them to be here at the beginning of the competition, especially considering their group stage performances, however they have managed to silence their critics and will being their two legged playoff this Wednesday for a chance to compete in the final in Madrid.


Bayern Munich:


Bayern Munich, after starting their 2009-10 campaign nothing short of pitifully, is now on the verge of capturing their 22nd Bundesliga title and advancing to their 8th Champions League final, 4 of which they emerged victorious. So in short, although it’s been a while, this isn’t exactly foreign territory to FC Hollywood. The funny thing about Bayern is how close they came to being booted from the competition in the group stages! They entered the final group stage matchday only to find themselves in a must win fixture away at Juventus in which they managed to handle with ease in a 4-1 route. Then, they found themselves behind 4-2 on aggregate heading into the final 45 minutes of their return leg at Old Trafford only to go through on away goals thanks to last minute heroics by Ivica Olić and midfield leader Arjen Robben. The way Bayern has gotten to this point can only make you think, are they destined to be crowned this year’s European champs? After their 7-0 route of Hannover this weekend, it seems they are heading into the right direction. One dark cloud looming over Bayern’s other star midfielder, Franck Ribery, is recent allegations connecting him with an underage prostitution ring in Paris. With the French international potentially facing jail time, one could only imagine that this will be hanging over his conscience this Wednesday. On the injury front, their only serious absentee is Mark van Brommel who is expected to be replaced by either Bastian Schweinsteiger or Danijel Pranjic and with the way he performed against Manchester United, expect Pranjic to get the nod. Furthermore, Holger Badstuber is suspended so youngster Diego Armando Contento is expected to get the nod in his place.


Lyon:


There is no secret about who is considered the underdog heading into this semifinal and the French wondermen that eliminated Real Madrid and domestic rivals Girondins de Bordeaux wouldn’t disagree either. Lyon is enjoying the most success they have ever had in the majestic Champions League competition and are doing it in a season most were considering to be a rebuilding year. After failing to claim their unprecedented 8th straight French League Title (don’t worry guys, 7 in a row isn’t that bad….), Lyon sold stars such as Karim Benzema and Juninho leading many to believe they would not enjoy the success they had in the last 8 years. However, with the addition of record signing Lissandro to accompany Toulalan, Cissokho, and Källström, they have managed to make do. They have had magnificent victories this year en route to their semifinals birth including over Liverpool, Fiorentina, and of course as mentioned above, Real Madrid and Bordeaux. So while many are pegging the French juggernauts as severe underdogs, don’t discount Lyon for they have certainly proven they can win against the big names on Europe’s biggest stage. Centre-backs Dejan Lovren (ineligible), Mathieu Bodmer and Jean-Alain Boumsong (both injured) are all expected not to feature in this Wednesday’s clash, however they expect to receive a boost from the return of midfielder Jean Makoun. Along with Bayern’s Franck Ribery, Lyon winger and fellow French international Sidney Govou has also been tied with allegations concerning the underage prostitution scandal in Paris and whether or not he will feature remains to be seen.

Lissandro and Lyon have a tough task ahead if they are to make it to El Bernabeu for the Finals.

Prediction:


At first glance, it would be easy to assume that Bayern should cruise to a route in their semifinal homestand against Lyon. However, considering how Lyon has been able to perform in European play this season, it would be foolish to think they would coast through in this ever so important fixture. Bayern should and will claim the first leg victory but look for their suspect defense to give up a precious away goal at Allianz Arena.


Pick:


Bayern Munich 2 – 1 Lyon


Bet of the Match:


Bayern Munich at 1.73 from Unibet






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