Real, Bayern in crisis mode on Europe return
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE OFFERS SOME SORT OF RESPITE
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich return to Uefa Champions League action today in crisis mode after the latest setbacks in their domestic leagues.
Madrid, the three-time European defending champions, were humiliated 3-0 by Eibar in Spain 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 after replacing the fired Julen Lopetegui, next faces a stern test at Roma.
Bayern are suddenly vulnerable in Niko Kovac’s first season in charge. Bayern were held to a 3-3 draw at home by promoted Fortuna Duesseldorf on Saturday, and are already well behind resurgent Borussia Dortmund. A seventh straight title is appearing increasingly unlikely.
Kovac has a point to prove when his team hosts Benfica, though a draw will be enough to ensure progress to the next round. A look at the four Champions League groups today:
GROUP E
Bayern seem to be a shadow of their former self after twice letting a two-goal lead slip against Duesseldorf. Kovac’s position is under threat unless he can coax the side into the kind of performances they delivered at the start of the season, when they scored 19 goals in their opening seven games.
Bayern, who lead Group E with 10 points from four games, would top the group with a win over Benfica if Ajax, on eight points, fail to beat AEK Athens away in the earlier game.
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. Roma Barcelona PSG Tottenham Man City Real Madrid Lyon’s confidence-building 1-0 derby win over St-Etienne last Friday showed both the good and bad sides of Bruno Genesio’s inconsistent team.
Hoffenheim host Shakhtar Donetsk in other group game.
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
Home record in Champions League 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.
GROUP H
W22 L13 D13
Group leaders Juventus host Valencia and will be through with a draw or if Manchester United lose at home to Young Boys.
United coach Jose Mourinho is again under pressure after poor results.
Valencia will be out of contention if they don’t win and United do.