Looking to rebound from a tough 2-0 loss to Bayern Munich in the opening leg of the 2013-2014 UEFA Champions League Round of 16, the Arsenal Gunners will need to find more consistency on the offensive end if they’re to take down the defending tournament champions. After playing to a scoreless first half in their first meeting on February 19, Arsenal and Bayern found themselves in a defensive struggle until a familiar face put the UCL title-holders in front for good. Blasting a shot from outside the box to the top right portion of the goal, 24-year-old Toni Kross threw Bayern on top and when Thomas Muller rang the bell again in the 88th minute, the Bundesliga giants officially sealed a hard-fought 2-0 victory.
Knowing exactly what they need to do in order to move on, the Gunners will look for a similar performance from last season’s UCL, when they overcame a 0-2 hole against Bayern in the Final 16, only to lose via away goals. Optimistic about his team’s chances this time around, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said this week that history is only important if you believe in your chances and fully trust you hold the ability to repeat an incredible feat. Making final preparations before paying a visit to Allianz Arena in Germany, Wenger knows the task of rebounding won’t be easy, especially in front of a passionate Munich fan base.
“History is important in your belief,” he said. “We have done it before, so we know we can do it because we have done it. It is a possible task that is the most important for us. I believe my team has quality and ambition, and I believe do we produce a top level performance, then we can do it. Bayern at the moment are the team of course who are full of confidence because they are doing well, but we have a great opportunity to do it. I am absolutely confident that mentally we will be ready to play at our best. The statistics are against us, but we have also won 5-1 at Inter Milan, we have won everywhere in Europe.”
While Arsenal gets set for what will surely be an entertaining match, Bayern and boss Pep Guardiola hope to continue their strong play with a berth in the quarterfinals within reach. Currently leading the German Bundesliga by a whopping 20 points over rival Borussia Dortmund, The Reds know an outright win will only add confidence heading into the next round where the competition rises a notch in difficulty.
“Arsenal has always been in the Champions League for many, many years,” Guardiola said of his opponent. “They buy very good players. He worked a lot with young players and they always get better and better. They built a new stadium and that’s not easy, it’s expensive. We have to win. We train, train, train, play in the rain and the wind and we win. I’m incredibly proud of my players. We are maybe the best team in the world.”
Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal: DATE, TIME & TV INFO
DATE: Tuesday, March 11
TIME: 3:45pm, ET
TV COVERAGE: FOX Sports 1
LIVE STREAM: CLICK HERE
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