Vincent Kompany is banned from the bench, but FC Bayern aims to take the next step toward the Champions League treble undeterred. In the semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday (21:00, Prime Video), club legend Uli Hoeneß is relying on the mental strength of the Munich players.
“This is the toughest challenge. But honestly, I was more nervous before Real Madrid”, Hoeneß said calmly before the flight to Budapest.
PSG, led by coach Luis Enrique and forward Ousmane Dembélé, are a formidable opponent, but Hoeneß remains optimistic: “My gut tells me we’ll go through.” Kompany, represented by assistant Aaron Danks, stays composed: “The team will handle this. I have full confidence.” Striker Harry Kane stressed that everyone knows “what needs to be done, even if the boss isn’t on the sideline”.
Sporting director Christoph Freund added that Kompany’s team would “certainly perform well”. Bayern’s record against PSG supports this confidence: since their 2020 final victory (1-0), they’ve won five of seven meetings. Their most recent clash in the group stage saw Munich win 2-1 in Paris.
“Expect a high-level match, and in my view, the winner will enter the Budapest final as the clear favorite”, said former Bundesliga coach Peter Stöger. “My final prediction: FC Bayern vs. Atlético Madrid.”
Atlético face Premier League leaders Arsenal on Wednesday (21:00, DAZN). According to Stöger, the Gunners have lost their “fluency” after a strong league campaign.
