Actually, it is superfluous to introduce FC Bayern Munich. Those hoping for a successful group stage win over PSV will have been disappointed when the Germans came out of the quiver during the draw. After all, year after year, Bayern is one of the great pretenders for Champions League wins and that goal has been set this year as well.
Superstars
Bayern Munich can field an eleven full of superstars. Last weekend, the Münchner kicked off with Manuel Neuer, Mats Hummels, Jerôme Boateng, David Alaba, Philipp Lahm, Thiago Alcantara, Joshua Kimmich, Xabi Alonso, Arjen Robben, Thomas Müller and Kingsley Coman. Almost all of them would be nominated at their respective positions for the fictional "Best of the World" award. Kimmich and Coman may not have gotten that far yet, but would be good contenders in the 'World's Greatest Talent' category. And then Franck Ribéry, Renato Sanches, Arturo Vidal and Robert Lewandowski were not even in coach Carlo Ancelotti's starting lineup for various reasons.
Ailing run-up
On paper, Bayern Munich is the favorite for the encounter with PSV. But in practice, it should be noted that Bayern seems to be in a dip in form. Point losses against 1. FC Köln and Atlético Madrid and just last weekend against Eintracht Frankfurt mean that the Bavarian club has sometimes looked forward to a match with more confidence. Müller, normally a guarantee for goals, has been dry for nine weeks in a row. And although Robben and Holger Badstuber are back in the squad after long injury, Ribéry was injured and Vidal is also still a question mark. And so there may still be chances for a stunt at the Allianz Arena.