Bayern Munich director of sport Max Eberl has described his side's upcoming Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain as a "completely even match" ahead of Tuesday's first leg in Paris. Speaking as the team departed for France, Eberl emphasised that minor details could prove decisive in the high-stakes encounter.
Eberl noted the widespread anticipation for the tie, claiming support extends beyond the Bavarian club. "Many people you meet – whether in a restaurant or simply walking the dog – everyone is looking forward to this game," he 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 semi-final represents a crucial hurdle for Bayern as they seek to return to the final after winning the competition in 2020.
The Bayern chief highlighted the similar strengths of the two European heavyweights, suggesting the contest will be tightly contested. "Both teams are top-class offensively. Both play a super-intense pressing game. Both defend very, very well," Eberl added. "It'll be incredibly exciting to see how this tie unfolds." His comments downplay any notion of Bayern being favourites despite their pedigree and recent dominance in the Bundesliga.
Eberl's assessment points towards a tactical battle where moments of individual quality or officiating decisions could tilt the balance. "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 stated. This first leg at the Parc des Princes kicks off a pivotal week for Bayern, who remain in a tight Bundesliga title race with Borussia Dortmund.
The match also represents a significant test for Bayern's interim coach Thomas Tuchel, who faces his former club PSG. The German side will need to contain the threat of Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi while leveraging their own attacking power, led by the in-form Serge Gnabry and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. The outcome of this tie will heavily influence the perception of Bayern's season, regardless of their domestic results.
