WILL THE NEW GENERATION SURPASS?
Many people expressed regret that PSG and Bayern Munich were drawn into what seemed like a more "heavyweight" semi-final pairing compared to the other semi-final between two teams that have never won the Champions League: Atletico Madrid and Arsenal. However, from a manager's perspective, this year's Champions League semi-final pairings are excellent. The intriguing question is: will this season's Champions League embrace the old and the new, or will it be a case of "discarding the old and welcoming the new"?
This decade has yet to produce a truly outstanding figure in top-level coaching, if success in the Champions League is the selection criterion. For the past four seasons, the Champions League title has always gone to a seasoned coach who had won it before (Luis Enrique, Pep Guardiola, and Carlo Ancelotti twice). The 2021 title went to Thomas Tuchel, a coach who, although never having won the title before, had led his team to the 2020 final.
PSG's attack is led by Ousmane Dembele ( left ).
PHOTO: AFP
This season, PSG's veteran coach Enrique will face off against Bayern Munich's new-generation coach Vincent Kompany for a spot in the final. The other semi-final will be a clash between veteran Diego Simeone (who has led Atletico Madrid to the final three times) and Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, who has never appeared in a championship match. If PSG and Atletico both win or both lose in the semi-finals, the question will be quickly answered. Otherwise, observers will have to wait and see the final to get the final answer.
It's unfortunate that coach Kompany wasn't present for the first semi-final, the first leg between PSG and Bayern. He was suspended from the touchline after accumulating three yellow cards. But that's okay. Of course, Kompany had to meticulously prepare his tactics for Bayern's decisive victory on the opponent's home ground. Kompany is currently considered the number one rising star in top-level football. Bayern is also currently the top contender for the Champions League title, even though PSG are the defending champions.
K ANE COMPETES WITH D EMBELE
Both the home and away teams are currently the top scorers in this season's Champions League (38 goals, but Bayern have played two fewer matches than PSG). They both won convincingly in their two quarter-final matches against Liverpool and Real Madrid. PSG's attack is led by Ousmane Dembele, the reigning Ballon d'Or winner. Bayern's attack is led by Harry Kane, the English player with the most goals in a single season in almost 100 years. It's almost certain that both the home and away teams will attack aggressively, and neutral fans have every right to expect a thrilling goalfest.
Bayern are always eager to attack, and their offensive prowess is so strong that they can come from behind after being 3 goals down, as in last weekend's Bundesliga match. Some have even considered Bayern's attacking style a weakness. Playing away against their most famous opponent in Champions League history, Real Madrid, and having led 2-0 in the first leg, why did Bayern continue to attack (and concede a goal) instead of defending to protect their advantage? PSG's attacking strategy ahead of tomorrow's match is equally clear. At home, what are Dembele and his teammates waiting for? Why not unleash their strengths?
This season, Dembele's form has been somewhat lackluster compared to when he won the Ballon d'Or last year. However, he has recently been in good form, at a very opportune time. In midfield, PSG's key midfielder Vitinha recently suffered an injury, and it's uncertain whether he will be fit to return. Desire Doue, Nuno Mendes, and Fabian Ruiz also had minor problems, although they have all returned. Bayern's only significant absence due to injury is Serge Gnabry.
Manchester United close in on a Champions League spot after their win against Brentford.
Both the home and away teams are in top form due to the ability to rotate their squads in their respective domestic leagues. Bayern have won the Bundesliga, while PSG have always received support from the Ligue 1 organizers to secure a favorable fixture schedule.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/champions-league-cuoc-so-tai-dinh-cao-185260427214646199.htm
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