Holders Bayern face Lazio test

Lazio host Bayern Munich at the Stadio Olimpico in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash on Tuesday night.

The hosts made it through to this stage of the competition after a dramatic matchday six fixture in Group F. The Italians drew 2-2 with Club Brugge and scraped through to the knockout stages.

Bayern, on the other hand, comfortably topped a group also consisting of Atletico Madrid, RB Salzburg and Lokomotiv Moscow.

The Bayern juggernaut shows no sign of slowing. The holders are nearly two years unbeaten in the UEFA Champions League, winning 16 and drawing one since defeat by Liverpool in the 2018-19 round of 16 second leg.

Lazio will approach the game unburdened by expectation and they have an ace in their pack. For all Robert Lewandowski's brilliance in 2019-20, one man outscored even him in Europe's top leagues: Lazio's Ciro Immobile.

Hansi Flick will not have an easy task as Bayern begin the home stretch towards retaining the crown that they won in Lisbon last August. This is especially true as Bayern have multiple injury issues to deal with.

Lazio have never faced Bayern Munich in a competitive game before this tie, and will look to start off with an upset against the Bavarians. Injuries and COVID-19 issues have ensured that Bayern have lost some momentum, so Lazio will fancy their chances as well.