Alexander Mostovoy, once a player for the Russian national team, believes Paris Saint-Germain will not allow Bayern Munich to seal a Champions League quarterfinal pass without putting up a fight. In his view, the two-week gap between legs will shake up the dynamics, and the return fixture could unfold quite differently from the opening clash. He notes that PSG possesses attacking firepower in Messi and Mbappe, which could translate into a stronger core through the middle in the second leg compared with the first meeting.
While Bayern prepares for the rematch, Mostovoy emphasizes that there is still no straightforward march for the German club. The first leg ended with Bayern edging ahead 1-0, setting the stage for a demanding return in Munich, scheduled to kick off at 23:00 Moscow time. The atmosphere around the tie remains tense, with teams and fans watching closely how the tactical balance shifts over the two legs.
PSG will be minus Neymar, the Brazilian forward who has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to an ankle injury. Initial optimism suggested a few weeks of recovery might suffice, but the diagnosis proved more severe, delaying his return to training until closer to the summer. This setback reduces PSG’s attacking options for the decisive match, potentially elevating the responsibility on other attackers to lead the line and create chances against a Bayern side known for its disciplined defending and swift transitions.
Oliver Kahn, former Bayern Munich chairman, offered a retrospective on transfer decisions, reflecting on why the club did not pursue Norwegian striker Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund for a reported 60 million euros last season. Haaland ultimately joined Manchester City, altering the landscape of European football. Kahn’s reflections underline how a single transfer decision can ripple through a club’s fortunes and shape the narrative of a high-stakes knockout tie, especially when facing a team like PSG that can capitalize on dynamic forward play and withstanding pressure in crucial moments.