UCL 2023-24: Lazio vs Bayern Munich: Combined XI

Published at :February 13, 2024 at 1:22 PM

Modified at :February 13, 2024 at 1:22 PM

The Bavarians just like their head-to-head record dominate this lineup

As the curtains fall on the group stages, the Champions League, Europe’s biggest competition, beckons us into the thrilling knockout phase. A select group of 16 teams, widely regarded as the finest not just in Europe but on a global scale, now stand at the forefront, eagerly vying for the ultimate prize in club football. The intensity and stakes rise as these elite squads embark on a journey that could culminate in lifting the coveted Champions League trophy, symbolizing supremacy in the footballing world.

Lazio finds themselves in the intriguing position of being among the challengers aiming to upset the footballing giants, Bayern Munich, in the Champions League. Lazio’s mission involves defying the odds and securing a triumph over the reigning Bundesliga champions, a team known for their dominance and success in European football.

The clash presents an opportunity for Lazio to make a statement on the grand stage, showcasing their resilience and determination to compete at the highest level. The underdog status adds an element of suspense to the encounter, as fans eagerly anticipate whether Lazio can create a memorable upset against the formidable Bayern Munich.

If we had to make a combined team out of these two teams, the combined XI would look something like this:

Lazio vs Bayern Munich: Combined XI (Formation: 4-4-2)

GK: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)

Demonstrating a calm and composed demeanor crucial for a successful career, German talent Neuer has proven to be a vital component of the formidable Bayern Munich lineup since joining years ago. Considered as one of the premier goalkeepers in the world of football, Neuer has earned recognition for his exceptional skills and contributions between the posts.

Left-back: Adam Marusic (Lazio)

In the heightened pace and intensity of Champions League matches, where the tempo surpasses that of Serie A games, Marusic’s speed becomes indispensable. This is particularly significant for Lazio, a team that, while not known for its overall quickness, boasts players with exceptional technical effectiveness. His role on the left flank has evolved into a crucial outlet for the Italian side, as he has not missed a single match for Lazio this season.

Centre-back: Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich)

Kim Min-jae Bayern Munich Bundesliga 2023-24 transfer Der Klassiker — **Kim Min-jae joined Bayern Munich from Napoli**

Kim, as a central defender, possesses exceptional physical attributes, including strength, speed, height, and flexibility. His defensive strength lies in predictive abilities, initiating and concluding plays during team advances. Kim excels in long pass accuracy for swift counterattacks after steals, and his superb aerial ability and positioning enable him to break up opposition attacks and initiate offensive plays with headers. He has been an integral part of the Bavarians’ defence since joining from Napoli.

Centre-back: Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)

Upamecano suffered a torn muscle fibre in the back of his left thigh which kept him out since January 24 but he returned to action against Bayer Leverkusen. Despite Bayern conceding goals this season, Upamecano and Kim have handled the defensive problem for Bayern this season. The French defender frequently ventures out from the defensive line to apply pressure on opponents and regain possession further up the field. He will be up against Immobile, a striker who has been in form for Lazio this season.

Right-back: Noussair Mazraoui (Bayern Munich)

Noussair Mazraoui is accumulating playing time at a rate he hasn’t experienced in recent seasons, overcoming injuries and heightened competition for positions. Despite his modest six-foot stature, Mazraoui’s delicate touch and slender build give him the appearance of a gentle giant. This is particularly evident in his seamless and flawless handling of aerial balls. After the departure of Pavard, he has cemented himself at the position.

Left-wing: Felipe Anderson (Lazio)

Felipe Anderson is a quick, technically gifted midfielder known for his exceptional pace, ball control, and dribbling skills, despite his slender physique. The 30-year-old has managed to play all the 23 games in Serie A this season, he has been heavily involved in goals for the Italian club. His involvement will prove to be crucial for Lazio to come up with a win against the European giants.

Centre-midfield: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)

Joshua Kimmich has returned from an injury and has taken the role of dictating the play again. He brings much joy, creativity, easiness, freedom to Bayern’s game. He is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, he is known for his versatility, aggression and playmaking ability. In Neuer’s absence, he was captaining the side. Kimmich provides the experience that Bayern need to reach the latter stages of the tournament.

Centre-midfield: Luis Alberto (Lazio)

Alberto is a versatile player who has consistently featured in every match of the top-tier Italian league this season. During this period, Alberto has showcased his versatility by contributing 3 goals and providing 3 assists across all competitions this season, emphasizing his technical abilities, vision, and goal-scoring expertise. His playing style also adds a dynamic dimension to Lazio’s midfield.

Right-wing: Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich)

Sane frequently charges down the right-hand side, swiftly activating his speed to counter-press and regain possession or rapidly sprinting back to thwart a counter-attack. Sane plays a pivotal role in bolstering Bayern’s defensive strength, especially against counter-attacking opponents. He has been involved in 21 goal contributions this season in all competitions, the right side of Bayern will ask so many questions about Lazio’s defence.

Striker: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

Harry Kane Bayern Munich Bundesliga — **Harry Kane joined Bayern last summer from Tottenham (Courtesy: Bundesliga)**

As expected, Bayern Munich smoothly advanced to the knockout rounds, guided by new addition Harry Kane. The team enjoyed an impeccable run against opponents like Copenhagen, Galatasaray, and Manchester United, establishing Kane as one of the greatest British players abroad. The only hiccup was a 0-0 draw against Copenhagen. Now, in his debut season with Bayern, he aims to end his trophy drought under Thomas Tuchel’s leadership in the upcoming knockout stage.

Striker: Ciro Immobile (Lazio)

Lazio captain Ciro Immobile has achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the third-fastest player in Serie A history to score 200 career goals, when he netted a goal against Cagliari. He accomplished this feat in 341 games, finding the net during a match against Cagliari. Immobile now ranks behind Giuseppe Meazza (296 games) and Gunnar Nordahl (238) as the third-fastest player to reach this impressive landmark.

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