While Lazio is eyeing their first quarter-final appearance in 20 years, Bayern, with their three-year streak in the quarter-finals and longing for a seventh European crown, isn’t ready to relinquish their stronghold just yet. Despite cruising through Group A, they hit a bump in the road at Stadio Olimpico, suffering a 1-0 defeat.
The game took a turn when Dayot Upamecano was shown a red card midway through the second half, conceding a penalty that Lazio's captain Ciro Immobile calmly converted.
Adding to the tension, it was announced that Bayern's coach, Thomas Tuchel, will be leaving in the summer, adding uncertainty to their campaign.
Tuchel, previously successful with Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, hasn't had an easy ride in Munich, with Bayern trailing Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen by 10 points and facing challenges in recent matches.
With their hopes for defending the title fading and already missing out on other trophies, the pressure is mounting on Bayern to salvage their season.
Despite their formidable record at home and in past Champions League ties, Bayern faces a daunting statistic: they've been knocked out of the competition each time they lost the first leg.
Meanwhile, Lazio, buoyed by Immobile's penalty, heads into the second leg with a chance to upset the giants of Europe. While history hasn't been kind to Lazio in previous knockout stages, they're fueled by the opportunity to make history and upset Bayern.
However, Lazio's inconsistent away form and recent losses in Serie A pose challenges, compounded by their chaotic defeat to AC Milan. As they head to Munich, Lazio knows they need to stay disciplined and focused, facing what could be their toughest match of the season.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Dayot Upamecano will miss out for Bayern Munich due to his suspension following a red card in Rome. However, they'll have Matthijs de Ligt back from a Bundesliga ban for their match on Tuesday.
But it's not all good news for Thomas Tuchel, who still has to contend with several absences. Sacha Boey, Kingsley Coman, Noussair Mazraoui, and Bouna Sarr are all out due to various injuries. Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry might feature if they pass the fitness test.
We can expect to see Jamal Musiala in action, marking his 30th Champions League appearance, and Mathys Tel, who got his first Bundesliga start of the season on Friday. They could support Harry Kane, who's been a crucial figure in Champions League home games, although he's yet to score in three knockout appearances on home turf.
For Lazio, Ciro Immobile will lead the attack, being their all-time leading scorer in European competitions. However, he tends to perform better at Stadio Olimpico than away from home. Taty Castellanos will make way for him upfront.
In midfield, Luis Alberto will be a key player for Lazio, having created the most chances and made the most line-breaking passes for his team in the Champions League this season.
As for injuries, Juventus-owned Nicolo Rovella and Patric are the main concerns for Lazio, although Mattia Zaccagni has recently returned to action and could feature in the front three after playing against Milan.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Bayern Munich possible starting lineup:Neuer; Kimmich, De Ligt, Kim, Davies; Pavlovic, Goretzka; Tel, Muller, Musiala; Kane
Lazio possible starting lineup:
Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Hysaj; Guendouzi, Cataldi, Alberto; Anderson, Immobile, Zaccagni
EXPERT PREDICTION
Bayern Munich 3-1 Lazio
Despite Bayern's recent struggles in front of goal, they still boast enough attacking prowess to capitalize on the situation.
