Coach Thomas Tuchel surprisingly relies on youngster Aleksandar Pavlovic in FC Bayern Munich’s starting line-up in the crucial semi-final second leg of the Champions League against Real Madrid.
Compared to the 2-2 draw in Munich a week ago, the 20-year-old is preferred in midfield over the experienced national soccer player Leon Goretzka. Serge Gnabry also starts on offense instead of Thomas Müller. In defense, the fit Dutchman Matthijs de Ligt can replace Minjae Kim, who scored both Real goals in the first leg.
“We need a lot of courage in the gaps today, especially in the central midfield, and that is exactly his characteristic,” Tuchel explained his decision for Pavlovic to DAZN. Gnabry was given preference over Müller “because we want to be a little more aggressive on the wings.” The Bayern coach also admitted that he had already thought about a possible penalty shootout after Müller was substituted: “Thomas is clearly a shooter in the top five. That was also a deciding factor.”
The winner at the sold-out Bernabéu Stadium will advance to the final on June 1st in London against Borussia Dortmund, who beat Paris Saint-Germain in the other semi-final on Tuesday evening. Real coach Carlo Ancelotti sets up the expected formation with the two German national players Toni Kroos and Antonio Rüdiger.
The Bayern team
Neuer – Kimmich, de Ligt, Dier, Mazraoui – Laimer, Pavlovic – Sané, Musiala, Gnabry – Kane
Source: Stern
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