Bayern’s Loss Against Lazio Puts Coach Tuchel Under Pressure

With less than a year in his role, it’s becoming evident that Thomas Tuchel is facing a difficult time at Bayern. The liberation they had hoped for did not materialize in Rome. On the contrary, the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 ended with a 0:1 loss against Lazio.

After a reasonable first half, Tuchel observed his team’s regression. They must make a comeback in the second leg in Munich if they wish to proceed further with Tuchel.

Prior to the humiliation in Leverkusen (0:3), Tuchel opted for both Müller and Kimmich in the starting eleven and the typical 4-2-3-1 system.

The Munich team started strong in the Roman Olympic Stadium. Kane missed the first major opportunity with a volley (6th), Musiala missed the second following a solid combination in the first half.

After the interval, the Eighth in Serie A posed a greater threat, with goalkeeper Neuer having to showcase his skills against Isaksen (47th).

Clumsy Upamecano

A lapse from Upamecano cost Bayern dearly: The Frenchman clumsily challenged Isaksen’s ankle, resulting in a penalty and a red card! Immobile scored with his usual composure (69′)..

In the end, Lazio could have even doubled their lead.

Even Start

In Paris, PSG was less dominant than expected. Mbappe missed a typical sprint opportunity (6th). Sociedad also had a scoring opportunity: Merino’s long-range shot just hit the bar (45th).

With the favorites struggling to get into the game, they had to resort to a standard situation: a corner kick was extended to Mbappe, who scored from a close range – 1:0 (58th).

The deficit affected the Basques. Although they managed to prevent Mbappé’s brace, the sprint from young star Barcola resulted in a 2-0 lead (70th).

Salzburg’s group opponents stand a slim chance in the second leg.

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Little excitement is anticipated following Tuesday’s first leg: Real Madrid managed a narrow 1-0 win in Leipzig, while Manchester City secured a 3-1 victory in Copenhagen.

Austrian Clash

A Austrian clash is expected on Thursday evening in the Europa League. Kevin Dance is set to host Freiburg (9 p.m./live on ORF 1) for the play-off first leg. While the Germans will be without the injured defender Philipp Lienhart, Michael Gregoritsch is expected to lead the attack. Junior Adamu could be the wild card.