Bayern Munich are presented with a come-back challenge in the Champions League Quarterfinals as they host Villarreal at the Allianz Arena, who are currently leading the tie by 1 goal.
Bayern Munich
The Bavarians have suffered their first Champions League defeat away from home since 2017 last week at the Estadio de la Cerámica. Being the highly expected favorites, they now see themselves 1-goal down on aggregate score going into the second leg on the home soil. The Villarreal defeat has definitely rocked the Germans` confidence as they have managed to just scrape past Augsburg over the weekend thanks to non-other than Robert Lewandowski`s penalty in the 82nd minute. With the negatives aside, the Bavarians have won their last 5 out of 6 home games across all competitions and it has been over 3 years since they last have failed to score at least 2 Champions League goals at the home stadium. Trailing on aggregate, the Bayern outfit are still a strong favorite to progress to the semi-finals and a home-ground advantage will certainly give them the necessary boost.
Villarreal
The Spanish underdogs are now just 90-minutes away from reaching the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since the 2005-2006 season. Villarreal has played with all the odds against them going into the Quarterfinals, but an early goal from Arnaut Danjuma saw them secure a first-leg victory. Unai Emery`s side has squandered a few opportunities to be in a more comfortable position, which they might look back upon going to Allianz Arena with such a slim advantage. The Submarines were held to a 1-1 draw over the weekend against Athletic Bilbao, however, it is important to note that Emery made a full-11 change meaning the starting 11 players in Germany will all have fresh legs. Villarreal have proved to us why they should never be written-off too early, but a slim lead and the pressure of the Allianz Arena will not make their chances of the next round any easier.
Verdict
Villarreal has shown that they are capable of managing a game against a European powerhouse like Bayern Munich. Going into the second leg, although a slim one, they do hold a lead and a fresh starting 11. However, it is difficult to see Bayern Munich slip-up twice in a row, especially at the Allianz Arena and I think they will bounce-back and find themselves a spot in the semi-finals.
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