Thomas Tuchel and Pep Guardiola are both looking to get the better of each other as Manchester City and Bayern Munich clash
Mind games
It is not just on the pitch where Thomas Tuchel and Pep Guardiola dance together. The Bayern boss had spoken at length about how his team would need a miracle to progress, only for the Manchester City boss to come in and talk up how good they and their history are.
It is a funny old situation where the Blues do not want to seem too strong and it feels unnatural for Bayern to be so downbeat. Of course, one goal can change all that on Wednesday night.
Selection calls
Get it to the big man up top, has been a mantra that has served City well this season with Erling Haaland smashing in goals from every angle. It also may be just what Bayern need though.
Tuchel was correct that they had chances in Manchester, they just didn’t take them and just about the only optimism in the press room at the Allianz Arena from local journalists came in the form of the return of Eric Chuopo-Moting. The former Stoke City man has had a season to remember in Bavaria and his absence through injury in the first leg was a big miss.
There is also a question over Thomas Muller, the veteran forward left out in the first leg that Guardiola mischievously suggested would play a part on Wednesday.
Haaland a shoe-in
The race for the Golden Shoe – the player in Europe with the most goals weighted for the strength of their league – is not really a contest at all. Haaland leads Harry Kane by 18 points and with the Norwegian still playing games in Europe that the Spurs man is not the gap is more likely to widen than close.
It may not make much difference in the hierarchy or trophies that Haaland wants to win, but is yet more remarkable recognition of his season. Robert Lewandowski has won the prize the last two years, and he certainly did not do badly at the Ballon d’Or awards.
Bayern pushback
Bayern arrived at the Etihad having conceded just two goals all season in the Champions League. They left having let in more over 90 minutes than they had in eight previous matches.
Another proud record is that the German club have won all four Champions League games at home this season without conceding a single goal. While there is a world in which they could do that on Wednesday while still not doing enough to win the tie, City will be looking to burst another bubble.