Bayern Munich returns to the Allianz Arena this Wednesday (Jan 21) facing a “must-win” scenario against Union Saint-Gilloise to secure direct qualification for the Champions League Round of 16.
As the new Champions League league phase nears its conclusion, Vincent Kompany’s side finds itself in a high-stakes battle for the top positions. Currently sitting in 3rd place with 15 points from six matches, the Bavarian giants are looking to overtake Real Madrid and keep pressure on league leaders Arsenal (21 points).
A Crucial Three Points
A victory tonight is essential for Bayern’s strategy. If they secure the win, they will leapfrog Real Madrid into second place, ensuring they stay on track for a seeded spot in the knockout stages.
In contrast, the Belgian visitors, Union Saint-Gilloise, arrive in Munich under immense pressure. Currently 30th in the standings with just 6 points, direct qualification is already out of reach for them. However, they are still fighting for a mathematical chance to reach the playoff spots (9th to 24th).
Team News: Luis Díaz and Musiala to Lead Attack
Vincent Kompany is expected to field a full-strength lineup to avoid any upsets. Following Arsenal’s victory on Tuesday, the motivation in the Bayern camp is high.
Bayern Munich Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kimmich, Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, Alphonso Davies; Pavlovic, Goretzka; Michael Olise, Musiala, Luis Díaz; Harry Kane.
Union Saint-Gilloise Predicted Lineup (3-4-3): Scherpen; Kevin Mac Allister, Burgess, Ross Sykes; Anan Khalaili, Zorgane, Van de Perre, Guilherme Smith; Kevin Rodriguez, Ait El Hadj, Promise David.
Match Information
Fixture: Bayern Munich vs Union Saint-Gilloise
Competition: UEFA Champions League (Matchday 7)
Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich
Kick-off: 8:00 PM local time (CET) / 7:00 PM GMT
Wilson Gaspar is a football analyst covering the UEFA Champions League, focusing on match previews, tactical reviews, and the performance of Europe’s top clubs throughout the competition.
