„Will eat him up“: Laimer as Bayern key against Real star Vinicius | OneFootball

The Champions League quarter-final between FC Bayern and Real Madrid promises to be a duel at the highest level – but for former professional Maik Franz, the focus is on a personal clash

One duel could be decisive when the Munich side meet the Whites at the beginning of April: Konrad Laimer versus Vinicius Junior. While the Brazilian is one of the most dangerous attacking players in Europe, Franz is counting on the uncompromising style of play of the Bayern professional

In the SPORT1 fan talk, the former Bundesliga defender was clear – and found pithy words: „He’ll give him a run for his money.“ For Franz, it is clear that Laimer is exactly the type of player needed to stop a player like Vinicius

Franz believes Laimer can play a key role

The 44-year-old is convinced that Laimer will make life extremely difficult for the Real star. The way Laimer plays, you have to defend against Vinicius‘ attacking qualities. Franz sees the physical component in particular as a decisive factor. „He’ll get on his nerves, always hanging in his calves. He’ll provoke him physically all the time and really eat him up,“ he explained

For Franz, the duel is also particularly appealing in terms of style: „This elegant, fast Vinicius – and then this calf-biter, this piranha, comes and eats him up.“

Giant duel with special explosiveness

photo: IMAGO

The conditions for the quarter-finals could hardly be more exciting. While Real Madrid eliminated Manchester City in the round of 16, FC Bayern dominated their duels against Atalanta Bergamo impressively

Vinicius himself has already sent a message to Munich: after his brace against City, the Brazilian declared: „Let’s get them!“

But FC Bayern’s confidence is also high, with goalscorer Harry Kane making it clear after their progress against Bergamo: „We don’t fear anyone.“

The first leg will take place on April 7 at the Santiago Bernabéu, with the second leg following a week later at the Allianz Arena. The winner will face Paris Saint-Germain or Liverpool FC in the semi-finals – other high-profile matches

The focus could be on the very duel that is already electrifying Maik Franz: Laimer versus Vinicius – fighting spirit versus pace, aggression versus elegance – a duel that could have a decisive influence on the outcome of this knockout round.