PSG vs Bayern Munich: 5 players to watch out for | UEFA Champions League 2020-21 

Bayern Munich and PSG will trade tackles on Tuesday.
Bayern Munich and PSG will trade tackles on Tuesday.

PSG and Bayern Munich will resume hostilities in the second leg of their 2020-21 UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday. The Ligue 1 giants come into this clash after a morale-boosting 3-2 victory in the first leg in Munich last week.

In a rematch of last season's final, both sides gave their all in an exhilarating first leg that saw the game live up to its billing. Despite playing in pouring rain, PSG raced into a two-goal lead inside the first 30 minutes but saw their lead halved by half-time.

The excitement continued in the second half, as Bayern Munich drew level on the night, only for PSG to retake the lead. Although Bayern Munich were the better side on the night and created a plethora of chances, they were made to pay for their profligacy.

Despite the loss in Munich, the reigning champions can still overturn this deficit, although PSG will fancy their chances of getting the job done at home.

With no shortage of quality players who can almost single-handedly decide the outcome of this tie, another exciting spectacle could be in store. On that note, let's have a look at five players to watch out for when PSG host Bayern Munich on Tuesday.


#1 Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)

Joshua Kimmich
Joshua Kimmich

Joshua Kimmich is arguably one of the most versatile players in the world, something that is evident in how he has transitioned from a full-back to a central midfielder with ease.

The Germany international controls proceedings effortlessly for Bayern Munich and was one of the key reasons why PSG lost the midfield battle in the first leg.

Kimmich ended the night with an assist for Thomas Muller. If the defending champions are to progress to the semi-final, the former RB Leipzig man will have to play a key role.


#2 Neymar (PSG)

Neymar provided two assists in the first leg against Bayern Munich.
Neymar provided two assists in the first leg against Bayern Munich.

Neymar was signed by PSG to help them win the UEFA Champions League. But his injuries have meant that the Parisians have only seen the best of the Brazilian in spurts.

The 29-year-old missed the Round of 16 tie against his former side Barcelona but recovered in time to square off with Bayern Munich.

Neymar's brilliance lies in his ability to create goals almost as efficiently as he scores them. Proof of that lies in the fact that despite not scoring in the first leg, the Brazil international still weighed in with two crucial assists.

With Bayern Munich in need of at least two goals, they are sure to push forward and deploy an even higher line. That could play to PSG's strengths, as Neymar would have more space to explore.

#3 Eric Choupo-Moting (Bayern Munich)

Choupo-Moting will lead the line for Bayern Munich against PSG.
Choupo-Moting will lead the line for Bayern Munich against PSG.

With Bayern Munich talisman Robert Lewandowski ruled out for another three weeks, the charge to lead their line has fallen on former PSG man Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.

The Cameroon international has adapted to his new role well. While it might be impossible to effectively fill the boots of Lewandowski, the 32-year-old has played his part.

Choupo-Moting has scored in each of his last two UEFA Champions League fixtures, including one against his former employers PSG last week.

His physicality makes him a threat in the air, and he could take advantage of the absence of PSG captain Marquinhos.


#4 Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich)

Leroy Sane's pace could be a cause of concern for PSG.
Leroy Sane's pace could be a cause of concern for PSG.

Leroy Sane was one of the brightest sparks in the Bayern Munich attack last week, as he put the PSG defence on the back foot with his direct running and dribbling.

With Serge Gnabry sidelined with COVID-19 and Kingsley Coman suffered a knee problem at the weekend, greater responsibility has fallen on Sane to perform at an optimal level for Bayern Munich.

Considering the prowess of Sane, PSG will do well to keep a close eye on the former Manchester City man.


#5 Kylian Mbappe (PSG)

Kylian Mbappe scored a brace in the first leg against Bayern Munich.
Kylian Mbappe scored a brace in the first leg against Bayern Munich.

Kylian Mbappe was largely anonymous in the knockout rounds as PSG made it to the final last season. He has, however, made amends by leading the charge this campaign as the Parisians attempt to win their first continental trophy.

The France international put Barcelona to the sword with four goals across both legs in the last round. He followed that up with a brace against Bayern Munich in Germany.

Mauricio Pochetino has utilised the World Cup winner's pace to devastating effect in all three UEFA Champions League knockout games this season. That could be the case yet again on Tuesday, as Bayern Munich will likely seek a fast start to the game.

Kylian Mbappe is widely regarded as a future Ballon d'Or winner, and Bayern Munich manager Hans-Dieter Flick reiterated this belief in his pre-game comments.

PSG are within touching distance of the last four, and Kylian Mbappe could play a key role in getting them there.

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