Bayern Munich Unmoved by Potential Opponents in Champions League Round of 16
Reigning Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal champions Bayern Munich declined to express a preference for an opponent in the upcoming UEFA Champions League Round of 16 draw, following their hard-fought and ultimately fortunate qualification to the knockout phase.
Despite their relief at securing a place in the last 16, Bayern officials refrained from identifying a desired adversary. Sporting director Max Eberl, when pressed on his preference between domestic rivals Bayer Leverkusen and Spanish giants Atlético Madrid, offered a diplomatic response.
"We will see what comes. When talking about European competition, one would like to play internationally," Eberl remarked. "A German duel wouldn’t fit into that."
The first leg of the Round of 16 ties will be played in early March, with Bayern hosting the opening match.
"These are two strong opponents," said national team captain Joshua Kimmich, acknowledging the quality of both potential opponents. "Their styles of play are different. No matter who we face, we definitely want to tackle this challenge," added coach Vincent Kompany.
Leverkusen, who qualified for the knockout stage as group winners ahead of Club Brugge, Porto, and Atlético Madrid, represent a familiar foe for Bayern. The two German clubs have a long history of intense rivalry, dating back to their first meeting in 1979. Leverkusen has managed to upset Bayern on occasion, most notably winning 5-1 in Munich in 2019.
Atlético Madrid, on the other hand, are a more formidable opponent on paper. The Spanish club, led by former Bayern coach Diego Simeone, has a reputation for their defensive solidity and counterattacking prowess. Atlético have knocked out Bayern in previous Champions League campaigns, most recently in the semi-finals in 2016.
Regardless of the identity of their opponent, Bayern remain confident in their ability to advance to the quarter-finals. Having won the Champions League six times, including in 2020, the Bavarians are aiming to reclaim the European crown.
However, Bayern’s recent form has been somewhat inconsistent, and they will need to rediscover their best form if they are to overcome either Leverkusen or Atlético. The German champions have struggled in some Bundesliga matches, and they were pushed to the limit by Paris Saint-Germain in their final Champions League group game.
Despite these concerns, Bayern’s squad remains packed with quality, and they will be favored to progress to the last eight. Lewandowski, Muller, Gnabry, and Sané form a formidable attacking quartet, while Kimmich and Goretzka provide steel and creativity in midfield.
The draw for the Champions League Round of 16 will take place on Friday, February 24. The first legs will be played on March 7 and 8, while the return legs will be held on March 14 and 15.
