Bayern Munich director of sport Max Eberl has described his side's Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain as a completely even match, with small details likely to decide the outcome. The Bundesliga champions departed for Paris on Monday ahead of the first leg at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday evening. Eberl's comments set the stage for a finely balanced tie between two of Europe's most potent attacking sides.
Speaking to reporters, Eberl highlighted the widespread anticipation for the fixture, noting that support extends beyond Bavaria. "Many people you meet – whether in a restaurant or simply walking the dog – everyone is looking forward to this game," Eberl said. "Many of my colleagues in the Bundesliga wished us all the best. So I think all of Germany is rooting for us in Paris." The sense of national backing underscores the significance of the occasion for a Bayern side seeking to return to the final.
Eberl was careful to avoid proclaiming his side as favourites, instead painting the tie as a clash of equals. "For me, it's a completely even match, where small details will decide the outcome: decisions, maybe by the referee, decisions by players on the pitch," he explained. He pointed to the similar styles of both teams as a key factor in creating a tight contest. "Both teams are top-class offensively. Both play a super-intense pressing game. Both defend very, very well. It'll be incredibly exciting to see how this tie unfolds," Eberl added.
The assessment comes amid a challenging season for Bayern, who were dethroned as Bundesliga champions by Bayer Leverkusen but have found their best form in Europe. Under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel, who will face his former club PSG, Bayern have navigated a difficult path to the last four, overcoming Arsenal in the quarter-finals. PSG, led by Luis Enrique and spearheaded by Kylian Mbappe, present arguably their toughest test yet, having eliminated Barcelona in the previous round.
This semi-final represents a classic tactical battle between two managers with deep knowledge of each other's squads and philosophies. The first leg in Paris kicks off at 21:00 CET on Tuesday, with the return fixture scheduled for the Allianz Arena next week. The winner will advance to the final at Wembley Stadium on June 1, where they will face either Real Madrid or Borussia Dortmund.
