[CL] Bayern Munich- Juventus (161 Viewers)
- Thread starter Maresca
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I found that on the officialy Bayern homepage :
The Säbener Strasse press centre is always well-attended on the eve of Champions League matches, but few reporters could remember a media crowd as big as the throng gathered to hear Felix Magath and Michael Ballack on Monday. No fewer than 15 camera crews showed up the day before Bayern's home tie against Juventus, but Magath displayed hardly a flicker of surprise at the intense media spotlight. "Both teams have been among the best professional football has to offer for many years now," the Reds boss commented. However, the match on Tuesday evening (Live in English from 8:30 pm CET on Web Radio) has a special edge in the light of events last season.
Germany's leading club were drawn against their Italian counterparts at the same stage last term, both matches ending in narrow 1-0 victories for the Turin outfit. Unsurprisingly, Munich are bent on revenge. "We were the better team last season, but Juventus were more effective," Magath recalled, "we've learned from that, and it's time we turned the tables."
Magath targets top spot
More than that, victory would see Bayern plant one foot firmly in the knockout stage - and the Munich coach was setting his sights even higher. "It's not just about getting through. It's about finishing top of the section, giving us a better going-in position for the next round," he declared.
Naturally, no-one at the club is under any illusions as to the size of the task against the mighty 'Old Lady' of the Italian game. "Juventus are close to my footballing ideal," Magath said in tones close to awe. Furthermore, the Turin squad was now stronger than a year ago, "and they're among the favourites to lift the trophy," Ballack remarked.
Attack as best form of defence
Munich approach the fixture with a healthy respect for opponents who have won all their matches this term, both in domestic and European competition, but will nevertheless aim to win the heavyweight encounter. "We'll have to go to the limit, summon up everything we have and make no errors," Ballack acknowledged. Magath indicated attacking tactics: "We need to be passionate, go at them, and look to get forward with the Allianz Arena support urging us on."
Another 66,000 sell-out crowd could provide the edge Bayern seek. Munich have yet to concede a goal at their new home ground, and have won all their matches at the stunning Arena. Home advantage combined with his side's improved form made Magath confident his men could maintain their record against the Italians. "I reckon this will be the match where we spark again after a run of a narrow and humdrum victories," the coach insisted.
Few injury concerns
Magath picks from close to a full squad. Willy Sagnol and Bixente Lizarazu are set to return from lay-offs, with Sebastian Deisler (calf) and Zé Roberto (groin) shaking off knocks picked up in the weekend trip to Schalke. The only definite non-starters are Owen Hargreaves, Philipp Lahm and Andreas Görlitz.
Michael Ballack will need to assume a pivotal role on Tuesday. "I hope he's the man to inspire us against Juventus," Magath observed. The coach would also dearly love a glimpse of the old Roy Makaay: the striker has not scored since 27 August, but has always showed a distinct propensity for crucial goals in the Champions League.
First major turning point of term
Visiting boss Fabio Capello must contend with considerably greater selection worries. Keeper Gianluigi Buffon has been missing since the summer with a serious shoulder injury, while midfield enforcer Patrick Vieira (groin) was ruled out at the weekend.
The Juve squad still reads like a who's who of Italian and world football, but the Reds can hardly wait to cross swords with Tuesday's visitors. "They're coming at just the right time," Ballack reckoned, "This match will tell us whether we've taken another step forwards in Europe. It's an acid test. We'll know afterwards whether we have a realistic chance of making the final."
Probable line-ups:
Bayern Munich: Kahn - Sagnol, Lucio, Ismael, Lizarazu - Deisler, Demichelis, Ballack, Zé Roberto - Makaay, Santa Cruz
Also in squad: Dreher, Schweinsteiger, Scholl, Karimi, Ottl, Jeremies, Pizarro, Salihamidzic
Juventus: Abbiati - Pessotto, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta - Camoranesi, Emerson, Giannichedda, Nedved - Ibrahimovic, Trezeguet
Referee: Mr Vassaras (Greece)
http://www.fcbayern.t-com.de/en/news/news/2005/05913.php?fcb_sid=4f5e0af13d9938e99b46d088b1ab5c41
The Säbener Strasse press centre is always well-attended on the eve of Champions League matches, but few reporters could remember a media crowd as big as the throng gathered to hear Felix Magath and Michael Ballack on Monday. No fewer than 15 camera crews showed up the day before Bayern's home tie against Juventus, but Magath displayed hardly a flicker of surprise at the intense media spotlight. "Both teams have been among the best professional football has to offer for many years now," the Reds boss commented. However, the match on Tuesday evening (Live in English from 8:30 pm CET on Web Radio) has a special edge in the light of events last season.
Germany's leading club were drawn against their Italian counterparts at the same stage last term, both matches ending in narrow 1-0 victories for the Turin outfit. Unsurprisingly, Munich are bent on revenge. "We were the better team last season, but Juventus were more effective," Magath recalled, "we've learned from that, and it's time we turned the tables."
Magath targets top spot
More than that, victory would see Bayern plant one foot firmly in the knockout stage - and the Munich coach was setting his sights even higher. "It's not just about getting through. It's about finishing top of the section, giving us a better going-in position for the next round," he declared.
Naturally, no-one at the club is under any illusions as to the size of the task against the mighty 'Old Lady' of the Italian game. "Juventus are close to my footballing ideal," Magath said in tones close to awe. Furthermore, the Turin squad was now stronger than a year ago, "and they're among the favourites to lift the trophy," Ballack remarked.
Attack as best form of defence
Munich approach the fixture with a healthy respect for opponents who have won all their matches this term, both in domestic and European competition, but will nevertheless aim to win the heavyweight encounter. "We'll have to go to the limit, summon up everything we have and make no errors," Ballack acknowledged. Magath indicated attacking tactics: "We need to be passionate, go at them, and look to get forward with the Allianz Arena support urging us on."
Another 66,000 sell-out crowd could provide the edge Bayern seek. Munich have yet to concede a goal at their new home ground, and have won all their matches at the stunning Arena. Home advantage combined with his side's improved form made Magath confident his men could maintain their record against the Italians. "I reckon this will be the match where we spark again after a run of a narrow and humdrum victories," the coach insisted.
Few injury concerns
Magath picks from close to a full squad. Willy Sagnol and Bixente Lizarazu are set to return from lay-offs, with Sebastian Deisler (calf) and Zé Roberto (groin) shaking off knocks picked up in the weekend trip to Schalke. The only definite non-starters are Owen Hargreaves, Philipp Lahm and Andreas Görlitz.
Michael Ballack will need to assume a pivotal role on Tuesday. "I hope he's the man to inspire us against Juventus," Magath observed. The coach would also dearly love a glimpse of the old Roy Makaay: the striker has not scored since 27 August, but has always showed a distinct propensity for crucial goals in the Champions League.
First major turning point of term
Visiting boss Fabio Capello must contend with considerably greater selection worries. Keeper Gianluigi Buffon has been missing since the summer with a serious shoulder injury, while midfield enforcer Patrick Vieira (groin) was ruled out at the weekend.
The Juve squad still reads like a who's who of Italian and world football, but the Reds can hardly wait to cross swords with Tuesday's visitors. "They're coming at just the right time," Ballack reckoned, "This match will tell us whether we've taken another step forwards in Europe. It's an acid test. We'll know afterwards whether we have a realistic chance of making the final."
Probable line-ups:
Bayern Munich: Kahn - Sagnol, Lucio, Ismael, Lizarazu - Deisler, Demichelis, Ballack, Zé Roberto - Makaay, Santa Cruz
Also in squad: Dreher, Schweinsteiger, Scholl, Karimi, Ottl, Jeremies, Pizarro, Salihamidzic
Juventus: Abbiati - Pessotto, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta - Camoranesi, Emerson, Giannichedda, Nedved - Ibrahimovic, Trezeguet
Referee: Mr Vassaras (Greece)
http://www.fcbayern.t-com.de/en/news/news/2005/05913.php?fcb_sid=4f5e0af13d9938e99b46d088b1ab5c41
Del Piero's goal against Messina was his 177th for the club since he arrived at the start of the 1993-94 season and left him one goal short of equalling Juventus's second most prolific scorer, Roberto Bettega.
He is also closing in on the all-time record of 181, held by Giampiero Boniperti.
With both Ibrahimovic and Trezeguet struggling to regain full fitness after minor injuries, there is a good chance coach Fabio Capello will reward Del Piero for his recent performances with a place in the starting line-up at Bayern's Allianz Arena.
Del Piero said he expected the game to be one of Juventus's toughest matches so far.
The teams are currently competing for the top spot in Group A with six points apiece, having each beaten Rapid Vienna and Club Bruges in their first two matches.
"Bayern have changed very little. They are a solid team and also physically very strong like all the German sides," he said.
"It will be an evenly balanced game, just like last year."
He is also closing in on the all-time record of 181, held by Giampiero Boniperti.
With both Ibrahimovic and Trezeguet struggling to regain full fitness after minor injuries, there is a good chance coach Fabio Capello will reward Del Piero for his recent performances with a place in the starting line-up at Bayern's Allianz Arena.
Del Piero said he expected the game to be one of Juventus's toughest matches so far.
The teams are currently competing for the top spot in Group A with six points apiece, having each beaten Rapid Vienna and Club Bruges in their first two matches.
"Bayern have changed very little. They are a solid team and also physically very strong like all the German sides," he said.
"It will be an evenly balanced game, just like last year."
