The second semifinal of this year’s Champions League is a repeat of 2010 edition. At that time, Bayern led by Louis Van Gaal hammered Lyon with 4-0 in aggregate. Today, such might happen again as Die Roeten has been superior under Hans Flick. They trashed Tottenham, Chelsea and most recent one, Barcelona in a big score. No wonder that they are the strongest favourite to win their seventh title. However, it does not mean that Thomas Muller and Co shall underestimate Les Gones. They still have the potentials to frustrate the German side here with their solid defence.
The teams’ previous matches
Olympique Lyon finally managed to secure one spot in the semifinal after stunning Manchester City 3-1 last weekend. Maxine Cornet gave them the lead but The Citizens could equalise by Kevin De Bruyne’s strike. Their winning goals were finally scored by Moussa Dembele with his brace. It is their second time they reach semifinal after 2010.
Meanwhile, Bayern had an easy victory against Barcelona. They literally smashed the Catalan side 8-2. They even led 4-1 already at the first half by Thomas Muller’s brace, Ivan Perisic and Serge Gnarby. Die Roeten did not stop there, at the second half, Joshua Kimmich, Robert Lewandowski and Phillipe Coutinho’s brace added their superior lead. Barcelona could only reply twice by David Alaba’s own goal and Luis Suarez.
Possible game plan
Hans Flick’s 4-2-3-1 seems to be his patent formation this year. His offensive tactics and daunting attacking lines would be a real threat for any opponents. Such will encounter the relatively pragmatic formation 3-5-2 or possibly 3-5-1-1 which has brought Lyon to this stage. It might be tough for Rudi Garcia’s men but there is still a flaw in Bayern’s defense they can exploit. The counter attack is one of them and avoiding aerial duels and focus on penetrating by quick through ball and acceleration.
Bayern Munchen(4-2-3-1) – Manuel Neuer; David Alaba, Jerome Boateng, Alphonse Davies, Joshua Kimmich; Leon Goretzka, Thiago Alcantara; Thomas Muller, Serge Gnarby, Kingsley Coman; Robert Lewandowski.
Missing players: Benjamin Pavard, Leroy Sane
Lyon vs Bayern Prediction
Bayern surely wants to repeat their success in 2013 and this year is the perfect one to do so. All they need to do is to play in their usual pace with the combination of speed, aerial duel, long shots and creativity. It might not be as easy as in the previous game against Barcelona. Memphis Depay and Co have succeeded in frustrating Juventus and Manchester City at the previous stage. Yet, Hans Flick’s men’s high confidence, combined with the great squad and physical fitness should overcome Les Gones obstacle and seal one place at the final.
This game is potentially one-sided. Die Roeten is priced to win higher at 1.24 whereas Lyon is backed to win much lower at 12.25. The odds for a draw result are only at 6.80.
