Lazio Vs Bayern Match Preview
- Date: 15th February 2023
- Time: 11:00 PM (GMT)
- Venue: Stadio Olimpico
- Competition: UEFA Champions League 23/24: Round of 16
Matchday 1 began with the hosts welcoming 2016 UCL finalists. Barrios struck first in the 26th minute. The Lazio attack went all in, registering 19 shots on goal in search of an equalizer. An unlikely hero, Provedel, whose thumping header from a corner possessed the quality of a seasoned striker, grabbed the headlines and secured a precious point for the home side in the last play of the game.
Scotland was the next hunting ground for Lazio against Celtic, and yet again, the points had to be dug out. Furuhashi’s 12th-minute strike was canceled out just 17 minutes later by Vecino. A 68th-minute substitute, Guendouzi, with an assist to Pedro in added time, completed the comeback for an all-important 3 points.
The Netherlands was the next stop for Maurizio Sarri’s men, and things did not go as planned from the beginning, trailing two goals behind Feyenoord at halftime. There was no comeback here, just a consolation goal for Pedro from the spot, before conceding a third from Gimenez. The reverse fixture at home saw striker Immobile’s strike just before halftime wrap up the game with a clean sheet, a much-needed boost for qualification.
Matchday 5 was all about securing qualification, and the boys in blue did turn up with a brace from Immobile to wrap things up. The last group match was one to forget for Lazio as it ended in a 2-0 defeat away to Atletico Madrid. The European giants always mean business, and the 2023/24 UCL campaign started with the same aspiration as always, in Group A.
New signing Harry Kane made an instant impact for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, and the opening fixture against Manchester United saw the German champions hit their strides running in a close 4-3 win at home. The next stop was Denmark against FC Copenhagen, where boy wonder Musiala and Tel turned the tide against the hosts in a 2-1 win.
Galatasaray was shell-shocked in the 8th minute from a Coman opener in under 10 minutes, but Marco Icardi made it all square a quarter before halftime. The second half was enough for Kane and Musiala to finish off the game 3-1. Tuchel’s men’s blissful run of form in the group stage was not affected by the Turkish champions, thanks to a double from the no.10 in the 80th and 86th minute.
An Allianz Arena draw in the reverse fixture against FC Copenhagen was a shock as it ended goalless but was enough to secure a berth in the knockout phase. Another dominant away performance from the Bavarians on matchday 6 had only one goal back with character and possession against Manchester United.
Team News
As usual, Bayern always finds a way to be at the top, and this season was no different as they were group leaders with 16 points out of a possible 18. But an unfortunate result against title rivals Bayer Leverkusen will dent the players’ confidence. Time is not always a dependable friend, and so the players should find a way to refocus their attention to Rome. Harry Kane will be a key catalyst in this process.
Champions League knockout football returns to the Stadio Olimpico after a three-year hiatus. This year’s UCL group stage was a relatively smooth ride for Lazio, with just a few bumps along the road. The Italian side finished Group E as runners-up, trailing behind Atletico Madrid with 10 points in their kitty. Maurizio Sarri’s side finished 2nd in Serie A last season but find themselves currently out of the top 5 even after a 3-1 victory over Cagliari at the weekend. Key player Ciro Immobile, who is also the top scorer, will need to step up for his side.
Predicted XI
Lazio Predicted XI:
Provédal (GK) – Lazzari, Gila, Romagnoli, MarušiÄ – Guendouzi, Rovella, Alberto – Isaksen, Immobile (c), Anderson
Out: Patric, Zaccagni
Bayern Munich Predicted XI:
Neuer (c) (GK) – Mazraoui, Upamecano, Kim, Guerreiro – Kimmich, Goretzka – Müller, Musiala, Sané – Kane
Out: Aséko, Buchmann, Coman, Davies, Gnabry, Laimer, Peretz (knee), Sarr
Doubtful: Zaragoza
Also Read: Copenhagen vs Man City Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips
Head-To-Head
Lazio vs Bayern Munich head-to-head record
23/02/2021 – Lazio 1-4 Bayern Munich – Champions League
17/02/2021 – Bayern Munich 2-1 Lazio – Champions League
2020/21 Champions League round of 16 was their first meeting, with Bayern winning 6-2 on aggregate.
Prediction
Bayern Munich are the favorite to win since the six-time Champions League winners are unbeaten in their last 12 matches at home in the competition, dating back to a 2021/22 quarter-final loss to Paris Saint-Germain also Lazio have never won a Champions League game in Germany.
Prediction: Lazio 1- 2 Bayern Munich
Betting Tips
BetUK Ladbrokes Midnite
- Lazio 5/1 24/5 11/2
- Draw 10/3 3/1 10/3
- Bayern Munich 11/20 3/1 1/2 (Subject to change)
Where To Watch Lazio Vs Bayern Munich? Timing and Telecast
- Date and Time: Saturday, February 10th at 12:30⯠PM GMT
- India: Sony Liv, Sony Sports Network
- UK: TNT Sports
- US: Paramount +
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