Why PSG can beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League

After two wins in a row and the return of Kylian Mbappé, PSG travel to Germany hoping to turn the tie against Bayern around. Just under a month ago, PSG had trouble on and off the pitch. The fans were furious and the future was looking far from optimistic. After three consecutive victories in Ligue 1, the French club have seen a change in fortunes at the most decisive moment of the season. Christophe Galtier’s men travel Germany on Monday to prepare for Wednesday’s crucial match against Bayern Munich.

The last 16 of the Champions League, a competition that PSG are still struggling to win, will be crucial in the club’s season. The squad has become more united and, according to sources in the dressing room, they are confident of causing an upset. There are numerous reasons for this.

Mbappé in fine form

Kylian Mbappé is in one of the best spells of his career and is hungry for titles. The French forward overtook Edinson Cavani on Saturday to become PSG’s all-time top scorer. With 201 goals, he reached a record that looked almost impossible to match not so long ago. After a warm tribute from the Parc des Princes, Mbappé was adamant that they will be travelling to Germany to win the tie. In the first leg in Paris, Mbappé was a substitute as he was not at 100 per cent, but his introduction turned the game around, scoring a goal that, although disallowed, struck fear into the Bayern defence.

Mbappé is not the only reason PSG believe in the comeback. Lionel Messi is another. The Argentine has emerged as the best strike partner for Mbappé, forming a brilliant relationship since Neymar’s injury. Together, they opened up Marseille’s defence in Le Classique over a week ago and, against Nantes, they never stopped looking for each other. If both perform at their best at the Allianz Arena, Galtier’s side will increase their chances of a comeback.

Neymar out

Neymar’s absence has allowed PSG to establish the three-centre-back system that worked so well at the start of the season. Without the Brazilian, the team defends with one more in midfield. There are fewer imbalances and the wide men have more freedom to join the attack, as there is an extra centre-back to cover their runs.

PSG will need to have Gianluigi Donnarumma back to his best if they are to complete the comeback. In the first leg, the Italian was not able to prevent Kingsley Coman’s goal. He had a great game against Marseille at the Vélodrome, but the issues returned against Nantes. He could have done more for the two goals conceded. With a strong Donnarumma, PSG increase their chances of beating Bayern.

On Monday, the squad left Paris for Munich and on Tuesday, on the eve of the return leg against Bayern, they will train in Germany.