Douglas Costa vs. Stephan Lichtsteiner Is Juventus vs. Bayern Munich Key Battle

Juventus vs. Bayern Munich is undoubtedly among the biggest of the last-16 fixtures in this year’s Champions League. Pitting two of European football’s truly giant clubs against each other, it is a clash littered with high-quality matchups.

The Bianconeri will hope Gigi Buffon outshines fellow goalkeeper and World Cup winner Manuel Neuer while believing Turin-born Claudio Marchisio can keep Bavaria native Thomas Mueller in check over the two legs.

The undeniable quality of the Juventus man was discussed at length in a previous post, but it could well be that—despite boasting a high number of Italy internationals—it is one of their imported players who is involved in the key head-to-head battle.

Much of Bayern’s attacking play is focused down the flanks, with Douglas Costa arguably their best winger. And Stephan Lichtsteiner’s ability to slow him down over the 180 minutes of the tie is likely to be crucial.

The Brazil international has contributed five goals and 11 assists this term, blossoming under coach Pep Guardiola following his move from Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer. It cost the Allianz Arena side £21 to complete that deal, according to this BBC Sport report, but it has thus far proved to be a wise investment.

According to statistics on WhoScored.com, only four players—Yacine Brahimi of FC Porto, Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal, Neymar of Barcelona and Hulk of Zenit Saint Petersburg—have completed more dribbles per game than Costa in the Champions League this season.

The 25-year-old has also created 2.6 scoring chances per outing, slotting into the first-choice XI of Bundesliga champions almost seamlessly, but he recently told a press conference he believes he can get better.

“On a personal level, I want to score more goals," Costa said, per FourFourTwo. "I still have room for improvement. I needed a bit of time to get back to my best after my injury. My position isn't fixed, I don't care where I play, the main thing is that I play. The purpose of football is to bring people joy."

Often switching flank in search of space, Costa is expected to start on the left at Juventus Stadium, a role that will see him directly opposed by Swiss full-back Lichtsteiner. 

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Since joining the Bianconeri from Lazio in the summer of 2011—at a cost of €10 million, according to the official UEFA website—Lichtsteiner has been a key member of the side that has dominated the Serie A landscape ever since.

A reliable performer, figures from WhoScored.com show he averaged 1.8 tackles, 1 interception and 1.3 clearances per game in the Champions League last term and has only picked up one yellow card in all competitions during 2015/16.

Furthermore, Lichtsteiner has also made a strong contribution to the Juventus attack, weighing in with 10 goals and 18 assists since landing in Turin. Even surgery to correct an irregular heartbeat could not slow him down earlier this season.

Out of action from September 23 until Juventus took on Borussia Monchengladbach on November 3, 2015, he not only returned immediately to the starting XI but scored a vital equaliser in the 1-1 away draw.

“No, I wasn’t dreaming of a comeback like this, I wanted  to win,” Lichtsteiner told Mediaset Premium shortly after the final whistle of that game (h/t Juve’s official website). “Given how it went after we went down to 10 men, we’ll take it!”

The line is typical of a player who works tirelessly on the right flank, and if he can get the better of Costa, he may give new hope to the Old Lady.