Bayern Munich travels to Russia to face Lokomotiv Moscow on matchday two of the UEFA Champions League.
The first away match of the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League campaign awaits Bayern Munich on Tuesday. After a resounding 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid, Die Roten will face Lokomotiv Moscow on matchday two.
The Russian club drew their opening match against Red Bull Salzburg and will be looking to hand Bayern a shock defeat. Here are three things to look forward in the second matchday of the Champions League as Die Roten travels to Russia.
Serge Gnabry returns to action
After a positive Coronavirus test, Serge Gnabry was ruled out of Bayern’s weekend Bundesliga fixture against Eintracht Frankfurt and the Champions League match against Atletico Madrid. Since then, he has tested negative and the club announced on Sunday that Gnabry will make the trip to Russia to face Lokomotiv Moscow.
Having Gnabry available for selection will only increase the odds of victory for Bayern in this match. The winger was very effective for Die Roten in the Champions League last season and is certainly going to be a dangerous player when he faces Lokomotiv Moscow.
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Lewandowski looks to register a goal
It was surprising to see Robert Lewandowski not involved in the scoring against Atletico Madrid on matchday one. The Polish striker has been scoring for fun in the Bundesliga with 10 goals already to his name.
Tuesday’s match could very well yield his first goals of the 2020/21 Champions League campaign. As the reigning Champions League Golden Boot winner he will want to open his account to begin his defense of the scoring title. There could be another multi-goal performance from Lewandowski incoming.
Avoiding an upset
Lokomotiv Moscow displayed resolve against Red Bull Salzburg during their draw as the Russian club came back to tie the match after going down 2-1. Bayern cannot overlook their opponents despite being heavily favored to take all three points from the fixture. Lokomotiv Moscow is a club that can shock Bayern if they are allowed to stay in the match for too long. Salzburg failed to double their advantage and Lokomotiv Moscow punished their opponents with a match-tying goal.
In the opening fixtures of the group stage, one of the European giants already suffered a shocking defeat. Real Madrid’s loss to Shakhtar Donetsk was a reminder that anything can happen in the Champions League. Bayern will want to avoid a similar result as they look to push forward to topping Group A.