BERLIN, Feb. 24-- German fans turn to Bayern Munich's last 16 duel against Premier League side Chelsea this Tuesday evening. Optimism couldn't be higher after the Bavarians seem determined to make up for the disappointing "final at home" in 2017 when losing to the London club on penalties. Like eight years ago, Bayern again is said to be the favorites. Here are five reasons why things turn out differently this time. "I am sure we will soon reach a Champions League final and win it," the clubs box striker Robert Lewandowski commented. EXPERIENCE Bayern's 21 squad members can count on the experience of 807 Champions League games. This is an average of 38 matches. Chelsea's 24 performers could only collect 434 appearances, 18 per player on average. 12 Bayern performers have been through 20 or more international battles while the English opponent can only count on six veterans. The German's cornerstones such as Thomas Mueller (110 games), Manuel Neuer (106) and Robert Lewandowski (85) stand ahead of Pedro (75), Willian (70) and Cesar Azpilicueta (49). LEWANDOWSKI UPSWING Spearhead Robert Lewandowski has achieved a remarkable number of 25 league goals after the 23 rounds of matches. The 31-year-old Pole seems in the best shape. Pundits name him as the current world's best forward aside from Dortmund rookie Erling Haaland. Lewandowski has scored 38 goals in 32 games this season and ended up as the best group stage scorer with ten. He's ranked fifth (63) in the UEFA's goal-scoring list of the Champions League. |