Bayern Munich vs Copenhagen

Bayern Munich’s superb Champions League campaign continues at the Allianz Arena as they take on Group A’s surprise package Copenhagen.

Harry Kane’s 18th Bundesliga goal fired Bayern Munich to a narrow 1-0 win at Cologne, maintaining a near-perfect start to their title defense (W10, D2) and keeping them within striking distance of early pacesetters Bayer Leverkusen. The ‘Bavarians’ have secured progression into the Champions League knockouts as Group A winners with two games to spare after a 100% group start (W4), bookended by a 2-1 home triumph against Galatasaray last time out. Therefore, manager Thomas Tuchel may not resist the temptation to rotate his squad in the dead rubber. Even if he does, the perennial Bundesliga champions would still be in the driver’s seat to extend their 12-game unbeaten home run in Europe’s most prestigious competition (W10, D2) and complete a double against Copenhagen following a 2-1 comeback win in the reverse fixture.

On the other hand, it’s a ‘make or break’ moment for Copenhagen, who, after stunningly fighting back to beat Manchester United 4-3 last time out, commence this round as Group C runners-up. But their lead on Galatasaray and United is fragile at best, with only one point separating the sides going into the last two rounds. A 2-1 defeat at domestic rivals Viborg over the weekend doesn’t make for good reading as they bid to defy a disastrous 14-game run in Champions League away matches (W1, D3, L10), qualifying excluded. If they somehow upset the apple cart in Bavaria, manager Jacob Neestrup would enter the club’s folklore, becoming the first head coach to lead Copenhagen to a triumph against German opposition (D4, L9).