UEFA Champions League Key Battles: Bayern Munich vs Juventus

Italian league leaders Juventus of the 49 games unbeaten make the short trip from Turin in Italy to the Bavarian capital of Munich in neighbouring Germany today evening to take on Bayern Munich in what promises to be a mouth-watering clash between two of Europe’s greatest sides.

With both teams bursting to the seams with talent, here are five key head-to-head clashes that could well decide the outcome of the game.

1.) Mario Mandzukic vs Giorgio Chiellini

Croatia striker Mandzukic has been an instant hit with the Bavarian faithful this season. The man who arrived from Wolfsburg last summer on the back of the 2012 European Championships has scored 15 times in all competitions. But only one of those goals – against Arsenal at the Emirates – has been in the Champions League, and he will be looking to put an end to his lean European streak.

But he will be up against of one the best centre-backs in the business. As accomplished in defence as Mandzukic is a skilled attacker, Giorgio Chiellini is the hub of Juventus’ three-man defensive back line. A cultured defender who is as good in the air as he is adept on the ground, he has overseen a defence that has only conceded 20 goals in the Italian domestic league this season.

2.) Franck Ribery vs Stephane Lichtsteiner

Switzerland international Lichtsteiner operates as a left wing-back in Juventus’ five man midfield, flitting between his offensive duties and defensive responsibilities with consummate ease, which only goes to show how good he is when it comes to delivering the goods for his team.

But the defender will be up against a player who is one of the best in the business on the right wing. While Arjen Robben has spent a significant amount of time on the bench this season, the other half of ‘Robbery’ has contributed eight goals and assisted another eleven for the German club this season. In addition, Franck Ribery has also scored five goals in twelve games for his national team during France’s international friendly and World Cup Qualifier fixtures, signs of a player brimming with confidence.

3.) Luis Gustavo vs Andrea Pirlo

Brazilian defensive midfielder Luis Gustavo is a cert to start this game on account of the suspended Javi Martinez, and he will have to put in another all-action lung-busting shift to shackle one of Europe’s most industrious playmakers.

Andrea Pirlo has been the creative lynchpin of Juve this season. His six goals and twelve assists for the Italian powerhouse, however, are only a part of what he can provide. That he is still very much alive and kicking at the age of 33 when several of his peers are showing signs of slowing down only goes on to highlight his skill.

On the ball, his vision, ability to spot a team mate and creativity make him a nightmare for any defence to handle. Off it, he is always available to either receive the ball from his team mates or draw out an opponent so that another of his colleagues do contribute in more direct methods to finding the back of the net.

That being said, Gustavo also has a potent offensive weapon. He is an excellent dribbler and has a powerful shot from distance.

4.) Bastian Schweinsteiger vs Arturo Vidal

Both very similar players, both with one objective in mind: win.

German international Schweinsteiger is the heart-beat of his team. Most key passes in Bayern’s play do more often than not pass through him. In addition to the vision and excellent work-rate that he possesses, he is also a good free-kick specialist and has a long-ranged shot that would tear the net off any goal.

His job however will come under threat because of the presence of Vidal. Familiar with the workings of his opposite number during the five years he spent at Bayer Leverkusen, Vidal knows how dangerous a weapon Basti is. But while Schweisteiger does possess those qualities, so does the Chilean, who has been capped 45 times for his country.

An intriguing battle in the middle of the park, here is a scenario that could see the two players’ roles continually reversed throughout the game.

5.) Mauricio Isla vs David Alaba

This last one-on-one sees two very versatile players lock horns at the Allianz Arena tonight.

In the absence of Mirko Vucinic, Vidal’s compatriot Mauricio Isla is likely to start this game. Although he does feature heavily on Juve’s right wing, his versatility allows him to play up front, slot in behind the strikers, in the heart of midfield and at right-back, making him essentially a very viable asset for the visitors.

But the man who will be responsible for halting the damage the South American can do with his dribbling skills, pace and ability to unlock defences is also every bit as versatile.

Since making his debut in 2010, David Alaba has featured at left back, defensive midfield, central midfield, in the hole behind the strikers and on the wing. In a game that will surely see offensive and defensive duties blurred, the defensive responsibility that rests with the Austrian will be as important as the attacking, inventive nous he possesses.