Why Bayern Munich are ready for their Champions League clash against Besiktas

The UEFA Champions League round of 16 is already underway and everybody saw the monumental round in the first four games last week. The second phase of the first leg will get underway at 1:15 a.m. (IST) on 2 February, where the mighty FC Bayern Munich will take on Turkish giant Besiktas in Football Arena Munich.

The five-time Champions League winners have always dominated a game on their home ground. They might have chalked out the strategy to beat their opponent, hence a comfortable win will help them to stay ahead before the second leg.

Bayern have won four matches under newly appointed coach Jupp Heynckes, who was the part of the treble winning team back in the 2012-2013 season and is appointed again after Carlo Ancelotti parted ways with the team.

On the other hand, Besiktas were unbeaten and qualified as a champion in the group stage. They have won four games and drew two in their group stage competition. Let us look at some highlights of the group round before the enticing match.

Bayern Munich started with a win against Anderlecht by 3-0 on their home ground, but were thrashed by Paris Saint-Germain in the second game at Parc des Princes.

Bayern returned an old favourite to the Allianz Arena.

Jupp Heynckes took charge of the team in October and the team managed to bounce back with a 3-goal victory against Celtic. The Bundesliga side won all four remaining games under Heynckes and they ended the group stage with a 3-1 victory against PSG and qualified for the round of 16 in second place.

The body language of the players has been changed since the arrival of Heynckes and the second leg match against PSG in Football Arena Munich was a clear example of it. The Munich-based side must be brimming with confidence before the round of 16.

Players who can make a difference

Lethal forward Robert Lewandowski is leading the highest goal-scorer chart in the Bundesliga and he is equally stupendous in the Champions League. He has a goal besides his name against PSG, as a result, he may be oozing with confidence before the enticing clash.

Sven Ulreich took the place under the bar in the absence of injured Manuel Neuer and is likely to start the game. The German international defenders Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels are arguably one of the best defensive pairs and they maybe start the match together.

James Rodriguez was lauded for his performance in the midfield in the last few games while the 28-year-old, Thomas Muller delivered some stellar performances under Heynckes and he may start the game along with Lewandowski. Kinglsey Coman looks doubtful due to fitness issue while Manuel Neuer is out due to injury but the squad looks ready for the clash.

What next?

Besiktas will host FC Bayern Munich on 14 March at Besiktas Park, Istanbul from 22:30 p.m. (IST).