BAYERN MUNICH begin their quest for Club World Cup glory against Egypt's Al Ahly.
The African champions were shock winners against Al Duhail – champions of host nation Qatar – in their opening match.
But they'll need to play out of their skin to prevent a European team reaching the final for the first time in history.
What time does Al Ahly vs Bayern Munich kick off?
- Al Ahly vs Bayern Munich takes place on Monday, February 8.
- The match kicks off at 6pm UK time – 7pm in Germany, 8pm in Egypt and 9pm local time in Qatar.
- It will be played at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan.
What TV channel is Al Ahly vs Bayern Munich on and can I live stream it?
- Al Ahly vs Bayern Munich is live on TV on the BBC Red Button.
- To stream the game live, head to the BBC Sport website or BBC iPlayer.
Can I watch Al Ahly vs Bayern Munich for free?
- Yes. BBC services are free for all UK viewers with a TV licence.
Team news
Bayern Munich have a clean bill of health but Hansi Flick could opt to bring in a number of fringe players ahead of a potential final.
These may include Jerome Boateng, Alphonso Davies, Corentin Tolisso, Douglas Costa and Jamal Musiala.
Al Ahly are unlikely to make too many changes from their win over Al Duhail.
But they could replace Walter Bwalya with Marwan Mohsen in attack and bring in Akram Tawfik as a holding midfielder if they want to go more defensive.
Latest odds
Al Ahly 16/1
Draw 13/2
Bayern Munich 19/10
*Odds from Ladbrokes correct as of Sunday, February 7
- Kostas Lianos
BAYERN XI
- Kostas Lianos
THE TEAM SHEETS ARE IN!
- Kostas Lianos
AL AHLY STATS
Al Ahly pose as the obvious underdogs ahead of tonight's clash but will be coming in with plenty of confidence.
The Egyptian champions have been enjoying a staggering 32-match undefeated streak across all competitions.
Pitso Mosimane's side are second in the Egyptian Premier League, with two games in hand and five points separating them from leaders Zamalek.
In addition, the CAF Champions League winners have put together their best ever showing in the Club World Cup competition.
In 2013 Al Ahly started the tournament in the quarter-finals and were eliminated by Guangzhou Evergrande, before being thrashed by Monterrey, but managed to pick up their first ever win this year against Al-Duhail
- Kostas Lianos
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Tonight will mark the very first time Bayern Munich and Al Ahly meet across all competitions.
The two clubs featured in the same Club World Cup competition in 2013, which the German giants won after beating Raja Casablanca 2-0 in the final thanks to goals by Dante and Thiago Alcantara.
Al Ahly only managed to make it to the quarter-finals that year when they were eliminated by Chinese outfit Guangzhou Evergrande, who won 2-0.
The Egyptian champions finished sixth as they later lost to Mexican giants Monterrey 5-1 in the battle for fifth place.
- Kostas Lianos
GOOD AFTERNOON FROM QATAR
Welcome to our live coverage of the Club World Cup semi-final clash between Al Ahly and Bayern Munich at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium.
Bayern earned a bye through to the semi-finals whereas the CAF Champions League winners defeated Al-Duhail 1-0 in the second round on Thursday thanks to Hussein El Shahat's winner.
The German champions' manager Hans-Dieter Flick could decide to make a raft of changes as most of his focus may be lying on the competition's final as well as the upcoming fixtures in the Bundesliga and Champions League, which he is determined to retain this season.
Jerome Boateng, Alphonso Davies, Corentin Tolisso, Douglas Costa and Jamal Musiala are all in contention to feature in the starting line-up against the Egyptian champions.
Al Ahly manager Pitso Mosimane could name the same side which started last week, pending any last-minute fitness issues.
If Mosimane decides to make a few tweaks then expect Marwan Mohsen to replace Walter Bwalya in attack while Akram Tawfik may be involved if the African giants decide to field an extra defensive midfielder.
Bayern will look to replicate their 2013 triumph when they beat Raja Casablanca 2-0 in Marrakesh thanks to goals by Dante and Thiago Alcantara, who joined Liverpool in the summer
GETTY IMAGES – GETTY
Source: Read Full Article
