Champions League
Will there be a repeat of the 2013 scenario? Plzeň got 0:5 against Bayern, then got a more dignified result at home
When Viktoria Plzeň were beaten by Bayern Munich in the Champions League group stage, memories of 2013 came back to many. These were reinforced by the first match at the Allianz Arena, where Viktoria took the same beating as nine years ago – 0:5. Will the result of the rematch be the same?
When Viktoria Plzeň were beaten by Bayern Munich in the Champions League group stage, memories of 2013 came back to many. These were reinforced by the first match at the Allianz Arena, where Viktoria took the same beating as nine years ago – 0:5. Will the result of the rematch be the same?
When Plzen arrived in Munich in October 2013, they were facing arguably the strongest team in the world at the time, the recent Champions League winners. The squad included stars such as Franck Ribéry, Arjen Robben, Toni Kroos, Phillip Lahm and Mario Götze.
In the first match, the overwhelming superiority was clear to see. Ribéry scored twice, Alaba, Schweinsteiger and Götze added one goal each.
But Pilsen did not allow a similar beating at home. They only cashed in once, when Mandzukic scored after a centre. And maybe a similar scenario will occur this time.
Just like nine years ago, Viktoria took a five-goal beating at the Allianz Arena. Bayern were absolutely outclassed, practically deciding the match in the first 15 minutes, when they led 2:0. By the 20th minute, they were 3-0 up and the game was over.
But it could have been different at home. Bayern will come with a slightly changed line-up, with Sven Ulreich replacing Manuel Neuer in goal. But at the same time, Bayern will not leave anything to chance by winning the matches against Inter and Barcelona.
Moreover, Viktoria is in a different position than it was in 2013. Back then it was in a state of euphoria from only its second Champions League appearance, today it goes from strength to strength and its Champions League participation is constantly in doubt.
In addition, they are the worst team in the whole competition, having not gained a point and with a record of 1::12. However, in such a difficult group, nothing else was logically expected.
Plzeň will hope that they can build on 2013, when after an initial drubbing they managed to finish the home leg with a more dignified result. The match starts at 9pm.
Source: FC Viktoria Plzeň
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