Madrid, Bayern back in crisis
BERLIN: Real Madrid and Bayern Munich return to the Champions League today in crisis mode after the latest setbacks in their domestic leagues.
Madrid, the three-time defending European champions, were humiliated 3-0 by Eibar in the Spanish league on Saturday.
The first defeat for new coach Santiago Solari renews debate over his team’s ability to challenge for honours in their first season without Cristiano Ronaldo in nearly a decade.
Solari, who started with four wins as interim boss after replacing the fired Julen Lopetegui, next faces a stern test at Roma.
Bayern, who appeared without a serious rival as they clocked up six consecutive Bundesliga titles, are suddenly vulnerable in Niko Kovac’s first season in charge.
Bayern were held to a 3-3 draw at home by promoted Fortuna Dusseldorf — a relegation candidate — on Saturday, and are already well behind resurgent Borussia Dortmund.
In Group E, Bayern seem to be a shadow of their former self after twice letting a twogoal lead slip against Dusseldorf.
Bayern president Uli Hoeness, who previously said he would defend Kovac “to the hilt,’’ appears to have changed his tune after saying Saturday that club officials would sit down after Benfica’s visit to see “how things should continue.’’
Bayern, who lead Group E with 10 points from four games, will top the group with a win over Benfica if Ajax, on eight points, fail to beat AEK Athens away.
Benfica, on four points, need to beat Bayern to maintain any hope of a toptwo finish.
In Group F, Manchester City can qualify for the knockout stage with a draw in Lyon and are aiming to avenge a 2-1 loss at home to the French team — their only loss so far in any competition this season.
Lyon will be through with a win. In Group G, Madrid’s early season troubles are back after the demoralising loss to Eibar. The team’s attack is under scrutiny after failing to make up for Ronaldo’s departure for Juventus, while their defence is among the worst in Spain. Madrid have already conceded 19 goals in 13 Spanish league matches.
Madrid and Roma are level on nine points and seem assured of progress from Group G. The Italian club will be through with a draw, or if CSKA Moscow fail to beat Plzen in the earlier group game.
In Group H, group leader Juventus host Valencia and will be through with a draw or if Manchester United lose at home to Young Boys.
United manager Jose Mourinho is again under pressure after poor results. Since beating Juventus 2-1 in Turin, United have been taken apart in the Manchester derby by fierce rivals City and then, in their first game back after the international
break, held to a lacklustre 0-0 home draw by Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.
United head into today’s game in second place in the group, two points behind Juventus and two clear of Valencia.
Valencia, who will be out of contention if they do not win and United do, will be wary of an even more motivated Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese is still smarting from his sending off against Valencia in September — his first ever red card in the Champions League.