Munich (AP) – Despite the lead over Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga title fight, which has shrunk to just four points, FC Bayern’s eyes are initially on Switzerland.
After the conclusion of all round of 16 matches in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, Munich now know their possible opponents for the quarter-finals, which will be drawn on Friday (12.00) at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon. The possible semi-final pairings will then also be determined.
The possible Bayern opponents are all well-known, but vary in strength. And they come from just three countries. England is represented by three clubs with defending champions FC Chelsea, FC Liverpool and Manchester City, as well as Spain with Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid and surprisingly FC Villarreal, who won 3-0 at Juventus Turin on Wednesday evening. Then there is Benfica Lisbon. Bayern had already played against the Portuguese in the group phase and won both games (4-0, 5-2).
“There is no ideal opponent,” said international Jamal Musiala after Bayern’s round of 16 win against Austrian champions RB Salzburg, when the supposed lightweights Villarreal and Benfica were not yet qualified. “We will prepare the same way for every team, no matter who we meet,” assured Musiala. “All the teams are very good in the quarter-finals,” said defender Lucas Hernández, who could face his former club Atlético Madrid. “I want a good opponent for the fans,” he said.
In the quarter-finals there is no longer a seed list, and clubs from one country can also meet. The quarter finals will be on 5/6. April and 12./13. held in April. Bayern are in the last eight for the 20th time, a premier class record ahead of Real Madrid (18).