Bayern Munich: Could Eliminating Arsenal Factor into Their Olympiakos Clash?
Bayern Munich require one point to reach the UEFA Champions League knock-out stage. Their next opponents, Olympiakos, require identical mathematics.
A draw benefits both clubs—as it eliminates Arsenal and Dinamo Zagreb from progressing—but history suggests the German champions will not oblige their Greek counterparts with any favours.
Simple qualification is not Pep Guardiola's objective, it is qualifying first in his group—increasing his club's chances of drawing an easier opponent in the round of 16.
TOP NEWS
Madrid Fines Players $590K 😲
'Mbappé Out' Petition Gaining Steam 😳
Star-Studded World Cup Ad 🤩
One should expect the Bavarians to maraud through Olympiakos at they did on Matchday 1—scoring a handful of goals without reply; but a draw (though not ideal) could have lasting long-term ramifications, more positive than negative.
No matter the results from the rest of Champions League Group F, if the Greek champions earn a result at the Allianz Arena, Arsene Wenger's side can only hope for Europa League football.
While it is certainly not Bayern Munich's job to backhandedly oust opponents, one cannot help but think whether Guardiola has Arsenal's fate in the back of his mind.
The only team to beat Bayern Munich this season, the north Londoners being on the brink of elimination might affect Guardiola's in-game tactical approach.
Of course, the Spaniard's side—complete with world-class footballers from across the globe—will attempt to thunderously knock out Olympiakos early, but what happens in the 75th minute if the score is 0-0 or 1-1? Could there be reluctant acceptance on both sides not to push things too far as a point secures progression?
Champions League football provides few straight-forward games, and Munich's upcoming fixture is far from simplistic. The match should be an interesting spectacle in risk management. Bayern selling out could get countered; Olympiakos defending too deep, for too long, would be postponing their inevitable execution.
If the likes of Thomas Muller, Robert Lewandowski and Douglas Costa have their way, Group F will have a definitive winner after five matches, yet the backdrop of who comes second and, in turn, third is possibly the most alluring prospect these four clubs can provide.
The Europa League is a wasteland of sorts, no real glory comes from its capture. Sevilla have won the trophy in two consecutive seasons, but their standing in European football is only marginally greater than it was in 2012/13.
Arsenal would loathe the prospect of Thursday-Sunday games, and if Bayern fail to earn three points, the Gunners' fate is pretty much sealed.
Eliminating the Premier League club, however, should not factor into Bayern's plans this week. They had the opportunity to get the job completed on their own and failed at the Emirates Stadium.
That said, if Bayern draw with Olympiakos, they water down the field—even if only slightly—when the quarter-final draw is announced.
If asked before the season, would one rather face Olympiakos or Arsenal over two legs in a knock-out competition, the world over would answer with the Greek side.
Olympiakos have proved to be difficult opponents, but the talent in north London cannot be overlooked nor dismissed, especially if they advance into the Champions League knock-out stages—which is governed by equal parts quality and luck.
Having already lost to Arsenal this season, Bayern would probably prefer avoiding a return trip to Holloway but never at the expense of their own group-stage ambitions—maybe as commiserations from a draw with their Greek visitors could it be accepted, but only under that circumstance.
*Stats via WhoScored.com; transfer fees via Soccerbase where not noted.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
