Champions League: Neuer’s psychological trick for Bayern’s pressure game against Benfica

There is already pressure on the Munich Champions League cauldron. The Portuguese João Palhinha, who was born in Lisbon and used to play for Sporting there, even declared what he saw as a “very special game” against city rivals Benfica as “a final” for FC Bayern. And that 206 days before the actual premier class final in the Allianz Arena, where Palhinha and his colleagues absolutely want to be on the pitch.

The fact is: After the away defeats against Aston Villa (0:1) and FC Barcelona (1:4), at least direct qualification for the round of 16 is at risk for Bayern in the new league system. “We have to win all the games,” is Joshua Kimmich’s projection before the first of five preliminary round games on Wednesday (9 p.m./DAZN).

Bayern are first in the Bundesliga. In Europe’s premier class, however, they are in 23rd place after three match days. That would just be enough for the additional knockout round in February 2025. Then the clubs in ninth to 24th place will determine the remaining round of 16 participants in the return leg. As of now that would mean: England’s top club FC Arsenal (9th place) or again Barça (10th) with ex-coach Hansi Flick would be Munich’s opponents.

“In or out – that’s not true”

Not a rosy outlook. But coach Vincent Kompany resists any scaremongering. “Every game at FC Bayern brings pressure,” said the Belgian with a laugh. “My focus is not on the pressure. Against Benfica it’s not about staying in the Champions League or being eliminated. The pressure for a place in the top 8 is always there in the new format. But in or out – that’s not true.” said Kompany.

Computer simulations have calculated that 17 points are always enough to finish in the top eight. 16 points should be enough for 98 percent. Bayern have three. That means: A winning streak is necessary in the five remaining games against Benfica, Paris Saint-Germain (H), Shakhtar Donetsk (A), Feyenoord Rotterdam (A) and Slovan Bratislava (H).

Computer simulation: 17 points are required

Four wins and a draw should be enough for the “goal of getting into the top eight,” as Bayern boss Jan-Christian Dreesen confirmed after the slap in Barcelona.

Manuel Neuer counters all negative scenarios with a psychological trick. The captain simply relies on home strength. “We are looking forward to the second home game in the Champions League. Things went very well here at home against Dinamo. We won clearly and showed a good performance,” he recalled the furious 9-2 against Zagreb. “That’s how we go into the game and try to bring that to the pitch against Benfica.”

Eberl: More strength and energy at home

Sports director Max Eberl also draws the audience joker. “We have now had two complicated away games, both of which we lost. So we now have pressure against Benfica. But on the other hand, we have our spectators behind us in the Allianz Arena. And we have already shown that we have even more strength and energy “We want to win the game,” argued Eberl.

The chances are good against 13th place in the table. Bayern have never lost against Benfica (9 wins, 3 draws). The last duel in Munich in 2021 ended 5-2. Added to this is the boost from the three clear clean sheets from last week. The offensive around goalscorer Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala and Kingsley Coman is currently in a delivery mood, with zero at the back three times. “We have to get back to winning ways,” demands 50 million euro signing Palhinha, who has been in Bayern midfield since Aleksandar Pavlovic broke his collarbone.

Portugal insider Palhinha also warns. “It will be difficult. I see a lot of Benfica games,” said the 29-year-old. After the coaching change from Roger Schmidt to Bruno Lage, the team “improved enormously”. And even though Schmidt had to leave in September, there is still a German at Benfica who could annoy Bayern: ex-Heidenheimer Jan-Niklas Beste crosses and now plays for Portugal’s record champions.