Champions League: Can Inter Prevent Another Perfect Bayern Group Stage?

Bayern Munich vs Inter Milan

Bayern Munich are closing in more Champions League history. The German giants are one win away from becoming the first club to complete back-to-back perfect Champions League group-stage campaigns, which would be an incredible feat.

Standing in their way are Inter Milan, who are also in fantastic form at the moment. The Nerazzurri have already sealed a place in the last 16 along with Bayern, though, and may opt to rest their stars ahead of their big Derby d’Italia clash with Juventus on the weekend.

Talking Points

Bayern on the brink of history

Bayern Munich are looking unbeatable once again. After a bumpy start to the Bundesliga campaign, they have since reeled off eight wins in their last nine games in all competitions, three of which have come in the Champions League.

Bayern’s form in the Champions League has been simply outstanding, with five wins out of five, 16 goals scored, and a mere two goals conceded. They are now unbeaten in their last 12 Champions League group games and could very well become the first team to go perfect in the group stage in two successive seasons.

After their 3-0 beatdown of Barcelona in their last Champions League match, they then handed out a 6-2 mauling of Mainz in the Bundesliga on the weekend.

As expected, the in-form Eric Choupo-Moting once again got the start at centre-forward for Bayern, and he was excellent again. The Cameroonian has now collected six goals and two assists in his last five games.

Meanwhile, Sadio Mane had one of his best games for Bayern while playing on the left wing as he finished with a goal and two assists. Not to be outdone, teenage sensation Jamal Musiala scored yet another goal and is now up to seven Bundesliga goals and four assists on the season, both of which lead the team.

While Bayern are in flying form at the moment and are on the cusp of making history, there is a decent chance that coach Julian Nagelsmann will make wholesale changes to his side and rest star players with top spot in the group already secured.

But Leroy Sane and Lucas Hernandez, who have both been missing with their respective injuries, are returning to fitness and could get a run out against Inter.

Inter in irresistible form

Inter had an even worse start to their domestic campaign than Bayern, which put some pressure on coach Simone Inzaghi. But the Nerazzurri have successfully navigated through that rough patch and are back to their dominant ways.

Inter beat struggling Sampdoria 3-0 over the weekend to extend their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions (six wins, one draw). During that stretch, Inter have scored three or more goals in four games.

And there’s even more good news for Inzaghi as Romelu Lukaku continues to get back into shape after missing several weeks with a hamstring injury. Lukaku has come on as a substitute in each of the last two games, but he could be in line to start at the Allianz and try to make some Champions League 2022 highlights.

Like Bayern, Inter have already secured their spot in the knockout round, so they may very well rest some of their key players. And that scenario is even more likely considering they have the Derby d’Italia against fierce rivals Juventus coming up on the weekend. The likes of Lautaro Martinez, Nicolo Barella, and Hakan Calhanoglu could be rested so they are fresh for that massive match.

History

This will be the ninth ever meeting between Bayern Munich and Inter. The two famously met in the 2010 Champions League final, with Jose Mourinho’s Inter winning 2-0.

But Bayern have now edged ahead with 4 wins to 3 after beating Inter 2-0 in their first meeting in Milan thanks to a Leroy Sane goal and a Danilo D’Ambrosio own goal.

However, Inter are unbeaten in three away games at Bayern Munich, with two wins and a draw, which makes them the team that has faced Bayern the most times away from home in European competition without suffering defeat.

Bayern are currently on a 33-game unbeaten run in the Champions League group stage and have won each of their last 12 group games – both tournament records.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP Champions League 2022 betting odds have Bayern installed as 1.42 favourites to win and clinch their second straight perfect group stage. Inter Milan are priced at 6.20, while a Draw is 4.80.

In all honesty, a draw would probably suit both teams, and I think that’s what the result will be. As impressive as finishing the Champions League group stage perfect for a second straight season would be, I doubt Bayern would be all that motivated to go all out for that record. Similarly, Inter will likely have their focus shifted toward Juventus and will be content to just go through the motions without much trouble in Munich.

 

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