Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel seems to have a big surprise in store for the return against Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the Champions League. While the German coach, who will leave the Allianz ArenA after this season, had reserved a starting place for , in the first leg last week, he opted for the nineteen-year-old on Wednesday evening in Madrid. That reports Sky-reporter Kerry Hau, at least.
Tuchel seems to be taking a big risk with this. Goretzka has been under contract with Bayern Munich since the summer of 2018, has now played 219 games for the club and has also worn the shirt of the German national team 57 times. The 29-year-old international ‘just’ had a starting place in the first leg against Real Madrid last week, although he was replaced at half-time, and also appeared in the kick-off against VfB Stuttgart a few days later. Given his experience, Goretzka seemed like a logical choice for the return against Real Madrid, but Tuchel may decide differently.
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According to Hau, Pavlovic can count on a starting spot on Wednesday evening. The 19-year-old midfielder comes from the youth academy of Bayern Munich and finally joined the main squad at the end of last year. To date, he has played nineteen games in the first team, two of which were in the Champions League. He has hardly any experience on the highest stage, let alone playing a semi-final against the record title holder. But according to Hau’s information, Pavlovic really forms a pair with Konrad Laimer in midfield at the Santiago Bernabéu. Goretzka will have to settle for a place on the bench.
Basic places for De Ligt and Mazraoui
The good news for Bayern Munich is that Matthijs de Ligt is available. The Dutchman had to miss the home game against Real Madrid. De Ligt is expected to kick off in the return. This also applies to Noussair Mazraoui, who will make an appearance as a left back, just like last week.
Likely Bayern line-up: Neuer; Kimmich, De Ligt, Dier, Mazraoui; Pavlovic, Laimer; Sane, Musiala, Gnabry; Kane.
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