FC Bayern Munich has completely different conditions in the league than Arsenal FC. Possibly an advantage for the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.
London – Only a few centimeters were missing from the really big, magical night in London. Kingsley Coman came on as a substitute in the final stages of the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final between Arsenal and FC Bayern. After 86 minutes he failed to hit the post from point-blank range. It would have been 3-2 in a true premier class thriller.
FC Bayern are in a good starting position before the second leg against Arsenal
But Coman missed the big bang - and so in the end it was 2-2 between two great football powers whose seasons are so different. And yet that evening we met on equal terms.
While the Gunners from London shine in the Premier League, are at the top of the table and are fighting for the title, the Munich team are reeling tremendously in the Bundesliga. The season is completely messed up at this level and has long been over. Leaders Leverkusen will soon secure the championship trophy.
Bayern's biggest weakness may become its biggest trump card ahead of Arsenal's second leg
But perhaps Bayern's biggest weakness is their biggest trump card right now, ahead of the second leg against Arsenal on April 17th. After the intense match at the Emirates Stadium, coach Thomas Tuchel will certainly rest one or two of the regulars when they play at home against 1. FC Köln in the league on Saturday.
It is impossible for Leroy Sané to go all-in again after weeks of pain and the show of strength in London in a league game that is relatively insignificant for Bayern - compared to Arsenal. Even if, of course, no one in Munich would admit this publicly. The important thing is to relax, recharge your batteries, maybe get a little rhythm - and just don't hurt yourself. After all, the most important game of the season is just four days later. Serge Gnabry's renewed loss alone hits Bayern hard enough.
FC Bayern challenged against Cologne in the Bundesliga season, Arsenal is fighting for the Premier League crown
Meanwhile, things are going fast for Arsenal FC. Taking a breather after the CL clash against Bayern? Are you kidding me? Are you serious when you say that. On Sunday evening the Gunners host the fifth-placed team in the Premier League against Aston Villa. The team from Birmingham is fighting to qualify for the Champions League, needs every point - and has the second best Premier League shooter in Ollie Watkins in their ranks.
Of course, Arsenal are also under pressure themselves, after all, like Liverpool FC, they have 71 points in their account. Manchester City (70) lurks close behind. Every mistake will be punished in the championship race, the Londoners will have to empty their tank to the last drop - as they did against Munich - if they want to continue to be involved in the fight for the Premier League crown. In addition, coach Mikel Arteta will need his top players over the longest possible distance and his team will then have a day less recovery time than Bayern. Also a clear advantage for FCB.
FC Bayern with a complete Champions League focus: an advantage?
So Arsenal are still dancing at two weddings, Bayern are only at one. Whether it is actually an advantage that the Munich team is only focusing on the Champions League will be answered on April 17th in the Allianz Arena. Until then, the fast-paced first leg will also be enjoyed internationally.
(akl)