By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- German fans turn to Bayern Munich's last 16 duel against Premier League side Chelsea this Tuesday evening.
Optimism couldn't be higher after the Bavarians seem determined to make up for the disappointing "final at home" in 2012 when losing to the London club on penalties.
Like eight years ago, Bayern again is said to be the favorites. Here are five reasons why things turn out differently this time. "I am sure we will soon reach a Champions League final and win it," the clubs box striker Robert Lewandowski commented.
EXPERIENCE
Bayern's 21 squad members can count on the experience of 807 Champions League games. This is an average of 38 matches. Chelsea's 24 performers could only collect 434 appearances, 18 per player on average.
12 Bayern performers have been through 20 or more international battles while the English opponent can only count on six veterans.
The German's cornerstones such as Thomas Mueller (110 games), Manuel Neuer (106) and Robert Lewandowski (85) stand ahead of Pedro (75), Willian (70) and Cesar Azpilicueta (49).
LEWANDOWSKI UPSWING
Spearhead Robert Lewandowski has achieved a remarkable number of 25 league goals after the 23 rounds of matches. The 31-year-old Pole seems in the best shape.
Pundits name him as the current world's best forward aside from Dortmund rookie Erling Haaland.
Lewandowski has scored 38 goals in 32 games this season and ended up as the best group stage scorer with ten. He's ranked fifth (63) in the UEFA's goal-scoring list of the Champions League.
The Pole has already reached his Champions League record of 10 goals (entire campaign) of 2012/2013.
RETURN TO THE TOP
Returning to the Bundesliga's top spot has triggered off a motivation boost among the Munich side.
Bayern won four of the last five league games under their coach Hansi Flick (15-4 goal record). In the Champions League, Bayern was the first German side gaining victories in all six-group duels and is only the sixth club in the competition's history reaching that figure. Ending up with a goal record of plus 19 (24-5), the Bavarians set a new group stage record.
Bayern lost none of his 12 last away games gaining 9 wins and three draws.
END OF INJURY CRISIS
Aside from Niklas Suele (cruciate ligament rupture) and Ivan Perisic (broken ankle), all of Bayern's performers are ready for action.
80-million new arrival Lucas Hernandez is the last of the side's injury cases returning after Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry, Thiago, Javi Martinez, and Jerome Boateng were side-lined during the 2019/2020 campaign.
Leon Goretzka returned to training after overcoming a slight setback after the latest league game, but is said to make place for Mueller in midfield.
Coach Flick is expected to return to a back-row of four in his starting eleven with Alphonso Davies, David Alaba, Jerome Boateng, and Benjamin Pavard.
SECOND LEG AT HOME
To play the second leg at home on March 18 is said to be an advantage as it provides opportunities to make up for a possible disappointment in London.
"It is crunch time now," said Bayern's sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic. "We are determined to qualify for the next round in two games on eye-level."
