Bayern's chances of advancing in the Champions League are in doubt.

According to famous players Owen Hargreaves and Rio Ferdinand, despite having home field advantage in the second leg, Bayern will find it difficult to reverse the situation after losing 0-1 at Lazio in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16.

"Sometimes things don't go your way," Ferdinand told TNT Sports . "Every little mistake becomes a factor and it leads to a penalty, a goal or a crucial situation for a team. At a club like Bayern, where every little factor is highlighted, it becomes a soap opera every weekend and that's where they are at the moment."

Bayern striker Kane dribbles during the 0-1 loss to Lazio at the Olimpico Stadium in Rome, Italy on February 14. Photo: fcbayern.com — Bayern striker Kane dribbles during the 0-1 loss to Lazio at the Olimpico Stadium in Rome, Italy on February 14. Photo: *fcbayern.com*

At the Olimpico Stadium on the evening of February 14, Bayern missed all 17 shots on target, squandering many good chances, including close-range shots from Jamal Musiala and Harry Kane in the first half. The turning point came in the 67th minute, when Dayot Upamecano stepped on midfielder Gustav Isaksen's ankle and received a straight red card, while Bayern was awarded a penalty. Ciro Immobile did not miss the opportunity to help Lazio take the advantage after the first leg.

Bayern have lost two season-defining games in just four days. On February 10, the "Gray Tigers" were defeated 0-3 at Leverkusen in the 21st round of the Bundesliga and were five points behind their opponents. They are facing the risk of being empty-handed for the first time in 12 years, having lost the German Super Cup and been eliminated from the German National Cup.

According to Ferdinand, Bayern are playing ugly football, lacking confidence, declining and pessimistic about the German representative's ability to continue. "If Bayern don't have good results in the domestic league, I don't know how they will turn the situation around," said the former England defender. "There are too many big names who are losing form, losing confidence and everything is not favorable for Bayern."

Bayern will play Bochum, RB Leipzig and Freiburg in turn before facing Lazio at home on March 5. "The best news for Bayern, apart from the close score, is that the return leg will be played in three weeks' time," Ferdinand continued. "This will give them a little time to regain their form. If the rematch were played earlier, it would be difficult for Bayern to play well and get a favorable result."

Hargreaves is also pessimistic about the chances of reaching the Champions League quarter-finals and believes the "Gray Tigers" deserve criticism. "The players and the coach will be criticized in the media, and that is also right," said the former Man Utd midfielder. "Bayern are rated higher, the players and coach Thomas Tuchel are rated world class. When you play for a big club and play like that, you will be criticized. The disappointment will be huge in and around Bayern at the moment."

On CBS Sports , Jamie Carragher criticized Bayern for playing individually, lacking cohesion, missing many opportunities in the first half and being punished by mistakes. "I said before the match that Bayern are a collective of individuals, not a team at the moment. They performed poorly against Leverkusen and we saw the same against Lazio," the former England defender commented, but said the "Gray Tigers" still have a chance to turn things around at home.

Hong Duy

Source link