Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski expecting a stern test from Lazio in CL.
The league campaign is the focus across Europe after the group stages of the Champions League concluded early in December. Bayern Munich is currently preparing to resume Bundesliga after a short winter break last weekend.
Despite the team’s focus on the league, fans will have dates on the calendar marked for the round of 16 clashes in the Champions League. The knockout round of the European competitions brings up some fascinating clashes as top clubs face each other in do or die situation.
Die Roten laid down a marker last season by a breath-taking performance in the first knockout round of the CL. They delivered a dominating performance away at Stamford Bridge, taking a lead of three goals in the tie. Since that game, there was no looking for Bayern as they got better as the competition progressed.
It is going to be a unique first CL knockout tie of the season for Rekordmeister as they come up against Lazio. This will be the first time in CL history that these two sides will face each other. While speaking to Sky Sports (via La Lazio Siamo Noi) this week, Robert Lewandowski praised Lazio, and he expects two tough games against the Italian team.
"“Lazio are a great team. They proved it last year by fighting to the end for the Scudetto. It will certainly be a very tough match. We will have to be very prepared.”"
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Lazio had a strong run in Serie A last season until the lockdown period. After the long break, they found it difficult to keep up with Juventus in the title race. They managed to do enough to finish in the Champions League places.
Bayern’s arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund came up against Lazio in the group stages of CL this season. The Italian team clinched a convincing win at home against Dortmund but suffered a narrow defeat at Signal Iduna Park. They are a defensively resolute side, so Die Roten will have to be patient in the build-up over two legs and show efficiency in the final third.
Lazio has a terrific striker in Ciro Immobile. The Italian striker had beaten Lewandowski last season for the European golden boot by scoring a whopping 36 goals in Serie A. Bayern’s defense and Manuel Neuer will have to be at their best to keep Immobile at bay during these two games.
Die Roten’s immediate attention shifts to the Bundesliga clash against Mainz on Saturday. Earlier on Wednesday, players reported at Sabner Strasse for training. Hansi Flick will be hoping that the effect of fatigue is lowered, as the German Champions delivered several sluggish performances during December.