On Wednesday evening, Bayern Munich will host Arsenal in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie. After a 2-2 draw at the Emirates last week, Der Rekordmeister know that victory by any scoreline will see them progress to the semi-final stage without having to rely on the lottery of a penalty shootout.
If Bayern are to make the final four, then they will join fellow Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund. Die Schwarzgeleben overcame Atlético Madrid 4-2 on Tuesday evening at the Westfalenstadion and 5-4 on aggregate to reach the semi-finals for just the fifth time in their history.
However, the home advantage for Dortmund in the second leg is something that Thomas Tuchel has acknowledged ahead of their clash with Arsenal. Speaking in the pre-match press conference, Tuchel called upon all Bayern fans to get behind the Rekordmeister:
“We need every spectator who is ready to fight with us! It is extremely important that every fan comes with the willingness to support and help us.”
It is expected that over 70,000 Bayern fans will be in attendance at the Allianz Arena, along with 5,000 in the away block. Last week, Bayern were without any fans in London due to a one-match ban imposed by UEFA, something that Tuchel believed helped the Gunners:
“We hope that this time we have the atmosphere on our side, like the fans did for Arsenal in the first leg—an extraordinary, unique atmosphere that also sustains the team.”
Regardless, there is no doubt that the Allianz Arena will be in full voice as Bayern look to claim silverware this season, and a seventh Champions League title would undoubtedly help mask what has been an underwhelming domestic campaign.
GGFN | Will Shopland
