Is There Any Chance that FC Lyon Beats Bayern Munich in the Champions League?

The current Bayern Munich team under the management of Hans Dieter Flick is a force to be reckoned with, and the notion that FC Lyon stands a chance against such a formidable squad is often met with skepticism. However, let's delve into the reasons why Lyon's victory over Bayern Munich seems highly improbable in the upcoming clash.

Impressive Form and Resilience of Bayern Munich

The Bavarians have demonstrated an unprecedented level of dominance under Flick, securing an impressive 26 out of 27 matches so far in all competitions without a loss. Their winning streak includes a stunning 7–1 aggregate win against Chelsea and an 8–2 victory against Barcelona in a single match. Such the results have sent shockwaves through European football, highlighting the potential challenge to Bayern's supremacy is formidable.

Flick's reign has witnessed Bayern maintain an unbeaten run in the Champions League, yet even the otherwise tenacious Lyon has tasted defeat in the group stage matches against Zenit St Petersburg (2–0) and Benfica (2–0). While Lyon's performance in the Round of 16 against Manchester City and Juventus showcased some of the team's capability, it does not make them an invincible force.

Approach to Opponents and Match Dynamics

Bayern's approach to matches, especially in the Champions League, stands out from their rivals. They demonstrate a "never say die" attitude, pushing for even greater margins of victory when they are already ahead. This is evident in their encounters with Chelsea and Barcelona. For instance, after securing a 3–0 win in the first leg against Chelsea, they continued to press for more, ultimately securing a 4–1 victory in the second leg. Similarly, despite leading Barcelona 5–2, they continued to attack, resulting in an 8–2 aggregate victory. This relentless pursuit of goals can be intimidating for any team, particularly Lyon, who would face a formidable opponent that shows no sign of relenting even when leading by a large margin.

Key Performers and Scoring Machine - Robert Lewandowski

Another aspect that solidifies Bayern's dominance is their top-scoring forward, Robert Lewandowski. Lewandowski leads Europe's goalscoring chart with a total of 54 goals in 45 matches and has managed to score in all eight appearances in the Champions League this season. This impressive record directly contrasts with Lyon's Champions League goalscoring abilities, as their total is just 14, compared to Lewandowski's 14. Furthermore, Lewandowski also tops the assists chart in the Champions League, making it virtually impossible for Lyon to negate his influence on the field.

Lewandowski is not just a prolific scorer but also a constant threat with his ability to contribute to the team's attacks. This has led to a situation where he has either scored a goal or provided an assist in every 31 minutes he has been on the field under Flick, translating to nearly three goals per game for Bayern.

Beyond Lewandowski, Bayern's attacking prowess is unparalleled in the Champions League. They have managed to outscore their opponents consistently, with notable examples of a 10–3 aggregate win against Tottenham, a 7–1 aggregate win against Chelsea, and an 8–2 aggregate victory against Barcelona. While Lyon could potentially offer a better defensive shape, Bayern's high line and willingness to risk openings can be exploited. The chances of an upset are slim but not entirely impossible, especially on a bad day for Bayern.

Conclusion

The rise of Bayern Munich in the Champions League has been meteoric, and only a combination of extremely solid defense and ruthless attacking prowess can silence them. The only team that has a chance to achieve this is Paris Saint-Germain but they first have to navigate past RB Leipzig in the semi-finals.

The myriad circumstances favor Bayern Munich, making it improbable but not impossible for Lyon to secure a victory. Still, for such an upset to happen, Bayern would need a particularly bad day. This is the nature of football, where anything can happen, but the odds remain heavily in Bayern's favor.