Possible CL scenario: Will Bayern meet BVB in the round of 16? | OneFootball

There are many indications that FC Bayern will finish the Champions League phase in second place in the table. This starting position would have several sporting and financial advantages for Munich – and at the same time defines the possible path towards the final

FC Bayern have taken a decisive step following their commanding 2-0 home win against Union Saint-Gilloise. Direct entry into the round of 16 has been secured and the play-offs have been avoided. The German record champions are clearly in second place in the table with 15 points. Although there is still a mathematical hope of first place, this scenario is hardly realistic given the five-goal deficit and three-point difference to previously flawless FC Arsenal

Second place is more realistic – and at least as attractive from Bayern’s point of view – because it not only brings prestige, but also tangible advantages for the rest of the tournament

Double advantage for Kompany’s Bayern

Should the Munich side secure their good starting position with a point at PSV Eindhoven on the final matchday, they would finish the league phase in second place. UEFA will reward this position with an additional €9.625 million. Even more important, however, are the sporting consequences

For the first time this season, the new rule applies whereby the teams in first to fourth place can play the second leg of all knockout rounds up to and including the semi-finals in their own stadium. For FC Bayern, this would mean home ground in the round of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals – an advantage that should not be underestimated at the Allianz Arena

There is also another aspect that will be welcomed at Säbener Straße: As runners-up, Bayern would certainly avoid Arsenal FC until a possible final. The Londoners are considered the most consistent team in the competition so far and inflicted the only competitive defeat of the season on Munich

These opponents could be waiting in the round of 16

photo: IMAGO/Maximilian Koch

Who FC Bayern will face in the round of 16 will only be decided after the knockout round play-offs, but one thing is clear: as runners-up, the record champions will face a club that finishes the league phase between 15th and 18th. These teams will play off in direct duels for the two remaining round of 16 tickets

If the league phase were to end at this stage, Juventus Turin, Borussia Dortmund, Galatasaray Istanbul and Qarabag Agdam would be possible opponents. In this case, Juventus and Dortmund as well as Galatasaray and Qarabag would face each other in a duel with Bayern or Arsenal

However, the midfield table is extremely tight, with just three points separating Paris Saint-Germain in sixth place and Qarabag in 18th. Numerous shifts are therefore still possible on the final matchday, when all 18 games are played in parallel. A German clash in the round of 16 would also be expressly permitted under UEFA regulations

Regardless of the specific opponent, one thing is certain: second place puts FC Bayern in an almost ideal starting position. Fewer matches in February, home field in crucial phases and a clearly structured tournament tree – there is hardly a better way to start the hot phase of the Champions League.