Bayern Munich vs. Roma: Key Issues and Decisions That Will Shape UCL Game
Two weeks ago, Bayern Munich and Roma met as the top two teams in Champions League Group E. The result at the Stadio Olimpico proved that although Nos. 1 and 2, miles stand between the pair in terms of class. The two will meet again in Munich on Wednesday, with the match no longer anticipated to be such a hotly-contested fixture.
Bayern utterly obliterated Rudi Garcia's side in Rome, humiliating their hosts with a 7-1 victory. The score stood 5-0 after 36 minutes, a complete blitz by the German champions.
Now after three matchdays, Bayern lead their group with a perfect nine points and a +8 goal difference. They enjoy a five-point lead over Roma and seven-point advantage over Manchester City. CSKA Moscow cannot catch the Bavarian giants, who would clinch first place in their group with a win and secure progression to the knockout rounds in any case with a draw in their next match. But Roma could well give their hosts a scare and spoil their party.
Ahead of Wednesday's match, B/R takes a look at the key issues that could affect Bayern vs. Roma. Click "Begin Slideshow" for a complete analysis.
Motivation
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There may be a gap in Bayern and Roma's motivation heading into Wednesday's match. The Germans have a good chance of progressing and even winning their group with a victory over the Serie A side.
Roma may be down, but they certainly aren't out. If they manage to take even a point from Wednesday's match, they will end the matchday ahead of Manchester City regardless of the English side's result. That could prove critical when they host City in December.
After the result in Rome, it's abundantly clear that Bayern are far and away a superior side to Roma. But that inescapable knowledge could prove a hindrance to their success on Wednesday. Additionally, the simple truth is that Roma have much more to play for. Bayern will have to fight for the points from the first minute. If they do, there's little their opponents can do to stop them. But if they have an off day and Rudi Garcia's men come out ready to play, an upset could be in the cards.
Fitness of Roma's Center Backs
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Daniele de Rossi missed his club's mauling by Bayern a fortnight ago and could again be missing from the Roma midfield on Wednesday even if he is indeed fit to play once more. The Giallorossi are woefully short of healthy options in the interior of defense, meaning that the 31-year-old may have to slot in at center back in Wednesday's match. Another option is for full-back Kostas Manolas, who played in central defense over the weekend, to fill the vacancy alongside Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.
What is clear is that Roma are in a bit of a defensive crisis right now. After a 2-0 loss to Napoli over the weekend, Rudi Garcia blamed a lack of focus from his full-backs and the lack of a left-footed center back for his team's defeat, per Sky Sports (h/t Football-Italia.net). Roma's defensive situation may not get much better before Wednesday, so the trainer's selection may be crucial.
Arjen Robben's Fitness
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Arjen Robben was hugely decisive in Bayern's rout of Roma a fortnight ago, scoring two goals (including the opener) and assisting a third. He was simply too quick, too lethal and too direct for Ashley Cole to handle. Because of Robben, the veteran looked every bit a player who will turn 34 before the New Year.
A look at Bayern's record with and without Robben this season shows just how influential the Dutchman is to Pep Guardiola's side. When the Dutchman has played, Bayern have won all nine games. In the other six, they've won two games, lost one and been held to a draw on three occasions.
Robben has struggled with a muscular injury as of late, missing Bayern's draw with Gladbach in the Bundesliga and win against Hamburg in the Pokal. He managed to play 90 minutes against Dortmund over the weekend, scoring the game-winning penalty shortly before full-time.
Still, Robben was a doubt for the BVB clash and may not be completely ready for another 90 minutes of football so soon. If Robben is 100 percent on Wednesday, it will be a huge boost for Bayern. If not, Roma will see their odds of a positive result dramatically increase.
Historical Precedent
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Prior to this season, the last time Bayern and Roma met in the Champions League was in the 2010-11 group stage. The two fixtures should serve as a warning for Bayern and offer a glimmer of hope for Roma as the two sides prepare for Wednesday's fixture.
Four years ago, a dominant Bayern beat Roma 2-0 at home before taking a 2-0 lead into half-time at the Stadio Olimpico. The Serie A side rallied back in the second leg of the return fixture, scoring in the 49th minute and claiming all three points with a late pair of goals.
Roma's shock win in 2010 came in the fifth matchday and didn't stop Bayern from winning their group by five points. But it did help Roma progress to the round of 16. A similar result is entirely possible on Wednesday if they want it. Despite Bayern's utter dominance in the first leg, the score will begin tied at 0-0 and three points will be up for grabs when the clock starts.
