UEFA Champions League Preview

Chuck Smith
Dec 5, 2017
3 min read

On the eve of the final leg of the UEFA Champions League opening round, the Bundesliga representatives have much more on the line that it would appear on first glance. But make no mistake, it has not been a banner year for the Bundesliga.

Sure Bayern Munich is already through after pushing past Anderlecht and Celtic, but the Reds have a mental and physical beast of a challenge in front of them in Paris Saint-Germain.

Meanwhile Borussia Dortmund is looking to gain a Europa League slot, but more importantly, is looking to cycle out of the downward spiral it has been on for the better part of a month. That will be way easier said than done against Real Madrid.

Finally, RB Leipzig is in search of itself and in need of a confidence boost after this weekend’s drubbing at the hands of Hoffenheim. Besiktas stands in the way of said boost, however.

Take a look below for some quick hits on each of the matchups:

Tuesday - December 5th

Paris Saint-Germain at Bayern Munich, 2:45PM EST (Facebook Live / Fox Sports Match Pass)

What’s at stake? Well, as Marcellus Wallace said, “The night of the fight, you may feel a slight sting. That's pride f***ing with you. F**k pride. Pride only hurts, it never helps.” This game is about pride and in this case it does help. Bayern was shellacked 3-0 by PSG in the first meeting, which was so embarrassing that it expedited the ouster of Carlo Ancelotti. If Bayern fails to put forth an impressive showing, they lost part of the mystique that makes them such a fearsome side. They need to match PSG punch for punch in a true battle of heavyweights.

What to watch for? How the Bayern midfield throttles down the start of the PSG attack and how much pressure Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Müller, Kingsley Coman, and company can put on the rarely tested PSG defense.

Prediction: Bayern Munich 3, Paris Saint-Germain 1

Wednesday - December 6th

Borussia Dortmund at Real Madrid, 2:45PM EST (Fox Sports 1)

What’s at stake? Maybe the direction of Dortmund’s season. BVB has been inconsistent at best, subpar at worst over the last 6 weeks. Peter Bosz has to be feeling the pressure of the squad’s recent underachievement. While a win may not be a realistic at this stage, a competitive effort may help spur some sort of turnaround for Dortmund as it tries to turn around its Bundesliga season.

What to watch for? Christian Pulisic’s audition to be a running mate for Cristiano Ronaldo. Pulisic was perhaps the lone bright spot in Dortmund’s draw with Bayer Leverkusen last weekend. A strong showing on a big stage against the reigning Champions League winners can only help his personal stock.

Prediction: Real Madrid 4, Dortmund 1

Wednesday - December 6th

Besiktas at RB Leipzig, 2:45PM EST

(Fox Sports Match Pass)

What’s at stake? Possibly a spot in the knockout round for RB Leipzig.

What to watch for? The Leipzig offense’s pace. If the Timo Werner led Leipzig attack can apply pressure by using its speed and tenacity, Die Roten Bullen may be able to help secure a coveted spot in the knockout round. Leipzig cannot (and should not) expect its defense to carry the team versus Besiktas.