Bayern Munich vs Lyon: 5 key battles to watch out for | UEFA Champions League 2019-20

Bayern Munich is a Champions League favourite
Bayern Munich is a Champions League favourite

#3 Jerome Boateng vs Memphis Depay

Memphis Depay is Lyon's biggest threat
Memphis Depay is Lyon's biggest threat

On his day, Memphis Depay is capable of sheer magic and can cause Bayern Munich several problems in the final third. The Dutchman is one of the most dangerous players in Lyon's starting eleven and his free role under Rudi Garcia makes him a slippery customer.

The striker did not get on to the scoresheet against Manchester City but played an important role in disrupting the Premier League giants' fluid passing movements in the middle of the pitch. Depay is one of the biggest names in this Lyon side and has to step up against Bayern Munich.

Jerome Boateng is arguably the weakest link in a near-flawless Bayern Munich side and will have to be focussed to deal with an in-form Memphis Depay. The German defender did not have much to do against Barcelona but may have a few problems on his hands in this fixture.


#2 Leon Goretzka vs Houssem Aouar

Leon Goretzka is an incredible midfielder
Leon Goretzka is an incredible midfielder

Leon Goretzka's career has transformed this season. The German star has grown into one of the best midfielders in the world under Hansi Flick and was the unsung hero in Bayern Munich's 8-2 demolition of Barcelona. Goretzka is Bayern Munich's midfield engine and his tenacity and energy in the middle of the pitch are crucial to Bayern Munich's suffocating press.

Goretzka is crucial to Bayern Munich's style of play and the prodigious Houssem Aouar has to get the better of midfield counterpart if Lyon is to stand a chance in this game. Aouar can combat Goretzka's physicality with impeccable trickery and caused Manchester City several problems last week.

The young midfielder is also capable of putting in a defensive shift in midfield and his pace will be primarily used to disrupt Bayern Munich's attacks. With Houssem Aouar on the pitch, Leon Goretzka may not find it particularly easy to pull the strings for Bayern Munich.


#1 Robert Lewandowski vs Marcelo

Robert Lewandowski is in excellent form
Robert Lewandowski is in excellent form

Robert Lewandowski is the best striker in the world at the moment. The Bayern Munich hitman can turn a game on its head and has been ruthless in the final third this season. Lewandowski was a constant threat against Barcelona and Chelsea and his ability to make the most of the slightest of chances makes him Bayern Munich's most lethal player.

Marcelo showed plenty of grit and determination when Lyon kept Manchester City at bay and will have to drum up a few more of his talents against the Polish striker. Robert Lewandowski rarely lets mistakes go unpunished and Marcelo has to be extremely wary of the striker's presence.

Bayern Munich is set to dominate large sections of the match and a lapse in concentration from the Lyon defence could prove to be catastrophic. Lewandowski is known for his ability to score on big occasions and it rarely gets bigger than a one-legged Champions League knockout tie.


Also Read: RB Leipzig vs Paris Saint-Germain prediction, preview, team news and more | UEFA Champions League 2019-20

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