FC Bayern set the course for progress in the quarter-final first leg against Arsenal. The Munich team has now reached the Champions League semi-finals.
Munich/London – FC Bayern Munich is putting everything on the Champions League card. And this plan could pay off. After the intense quarter-final first leg at Arsenal FC, the chances of progressing are good. But what scenario has to occur for Bayern to reach the Champions League semi-finals?
FC Bayern are in a good position to reach the Champions League semi-finals against Arsenal
FC Bayern brings a 2-2 draw from London to Munich. After falling behind early on due to Bukayo Saka (12th minute), coach Thomas Tuchel's team turned the game around before the break thanks to Serge Gnabry (18th) and a converted penalty from Harry Kane (32nd). In the final phase the Gunners equalized, Leandro Trossard (76th) scored the final score.
FC Bayern was extremely lucky at the last second that there was no penalty. Manuel Neuer, who even impressed Schweinsteiger with a “brilliant” trick before the Bayern penalty, left his leg against Saka - but the whistle remained silent and the VAR did not turn on either. On the other hand, a “childish mistake” angered FC Bayern: the crazy handball scene left Tuchel completely stunned.
Which scenario must occur? How FC Bayern now reaches the Champions League semi-finals
What does the 2-2 mean for the second leg in a week, next Wednesday (April 17th, 9 p.m.) in the Allianz Arena? It's simple: FC Bayern has to win against Arsenal to reach the semi-finals. In the event of a draw, even 0-0 or 1-1, for example, the game would initially go into extra time.
The controversial away goals rule no longer exists; it was abolished before the 2022/23 season. In the end, the total number of goals scored counts; if there is a tie after 120 minutes, the penalty shootout has to decide. However, Bayern's biggest weakness could perhaps become their biggest trump card ahead of the Arsenal second leg.
FC Bayern dreams of the Champions League final after a draw against Arsenal
“Of course the dream lives on today,” shouted CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen at his banquet speech in the posh team hotel The Landmark to the “dear Bayern family” with a view to the final on June 1st in the English football temple of Wembley : In this constitution “everyone in Europe has to be careful of us”. Also the spectacular kickers from record winners Real Madrid or defending champions Manchester City in a possible semi-final. Because: “Those who were declared dead live longer.”
“This is the true face of FC Bayern!” Dreesen shouted to the players over the silverware: “We want to see that from you, dear team, much, much more often!” Coach Tuchel didn’t sound quite as euphoric, but he knows what to do. “It’s only half time,” warned the coach – knowing full well that his team will have to show “this passion, this desire, this greed” again in the second leg in Munich.
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