Bayern coach worried Mbappe will create a mutation in the second leg

"Mbappe can change the course of any game," said the Bayern coach after the first leg on February 14. "It's not a good thing for the second leg."

Mbappe did not start the first leg, due to the influence of injury. When the top scorer of the World Cup 2022 entered the field from the 53rd minute, PSG began to attack better. However, Mbappe had no luck with the shots. In the two times he put the ball into the Bayern net, the referee blew for offside and refused to recognize it.

"I'm not used to seeing PSG fall like that, be it their recent form or Mbappe's absence. But when he came on, the atmosphere in the pitch changed, and it woke the players up. We didn't play well twice, but fortunately we were offside," added Nagelsmann.

The return leg will take place in Munich on March 8. If he recovers well, Mbappe can completely start. "PSG plays much better with Mbappe, and we will plan to prepare for a scenario where he starts in the second leg," Nagelsmann said.

Before Mbappe entered the field, Bayern took full control of the first leg. They had a series of shots in the first half, then opened the scoring in the 53rd minute. Kingsley Coman's shot crossed the corner of the net after Alphonso Davies' cross.

"I am pleased with the result, the first 25 minutes of the first half and the beginning of the second half," Nagelsmann said. "I think we played better tonight, but that's the first step and we have to continue like that in Munich."

He also regretted that Bayern did not score more goals. PSG goalkeeper Gigi Donnarumma saved at least two goals after Coman opened the scoring. "I know how important it is to score, but also make sure not to concede. Bayern had good chances to score the second, but they also have a great Donnarumma," Nagelsmann praised the opposition goalkeeper. .

The Bayern coach also explained that Joao Cancelo's withdrawal shortly after half-time was due to injury concerns. Regarding the second yellow card of Benjamin Pavard, the full-back was penalized for entering the ball from behind on Messi, Nagelsmann thinks it is a difficult situation with the odds of 50-50. He still considers Pavard to play well.

In the second leg, Bayern only need to draw to reach the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, PSG need to win by two goals in 90 minutes. If PSG wins by a goal difference in the second leg, the two teams need to play two more extra time.