We wanted to be positive. We honestly did.
We took a look at Bayern Munich’s odds of 1/100 on to progress to the quarter-finals against Arsenal tonight and fancied backing a famous comeback in the Allianz Arena.
We tried to find reasons to believe it was possible. Omens, empirical data, you name it. But after we’d considered it all, this was what we are left with if we are to believe that a British club will make it into this year’s last eight of the Champions League...
- It’s not like Bayern are 20 points clear in the Bundesliga and haven’t lost at home by more than one goal for 52 matches
Ah, but it’s exactly like that
- Barcelona overcame a two-goal deficit last night
Except Arsenal are not as good as Barcelona, Bayern are better than AC Milan, and Arsenal have to do it away from home as well
- They can be driven forward by a fit-and-firing Jack Wilshere
He’s injured- officially for three weeks, based on last time possibly forever
- They will field their strongest first XI
Rumours abound that Wenger will rest the likes of Santi Cazorla, Theo Walcott and Wojciech Szczesny
- Arsene Wenger believes it is possible
He also admits that Bayern Munich are ‘clearly superior’ to his side.
- They boast a fantastic record against the big boys in recent times
Not exactly
- But a good record against German sides this season, at least?
Arsenal 0-2 Schalke, Schalke 2-2 Arsenal in the group stage
- Bayern Munich don’t have a decent replacement for Franck Ribery
What’s this guy’s name again?
- Get to penalties and at least most of Arsenal’s players aren’t English
But they still lost 3-2 on penalties in the League Cup quarter-final to fourth-tier Bradford City this season
- Arsenal could wear their yellow shirts, convincing Munich that they are in fact Borussia Dortmund
Until they start playing football
- The two most famous results between England and Germany – 4-2 and 5-1 – would both be good enough for victory tonight
None of the Bayern team were born for the first result in 1966, most were still at school for the second in 2001
- Even Norwich have beaten Bayern Munich at their home ground
Only Norwich. No other English teams. And even then it took this goal to make it possible.
- The awe-inspiring Gunnersaurus will drive fear into German hearts
He’s a man in a dinosaur costume
- Sometimes miracles happen
Alright, we'll give you that.