Evening all! International and domestic football moves to one side this week as the Champions League quarter-finals get underway. Bayern Munich will hope to go one better this season after losing in the final this year, but in their way is a Juventus side that many have tipped as the outsiders for the competition.

Bayern and Juventus have met six times in the past, always in the Champions League. The Italian side have just shaded the results with three wins to Bayern’s two, while the other ended in a draw. As mentioned, the last European meeting between the two sides was in 2009, when Bayern were 4-1 winners in Turin.

The German outfit will enter the match full of confidence having won 16 of their last 19 Champions League matches at the Allianz Arena, while they have the joint-best attacking record in the competition this season having scored 18 goals in eight games, the same number as Spanish champions Real Madrid. We are expecting the team news any moment now.

BREAKING TEAM NEWS: No Claudio Pizarro or Mario Gomez in the Bayern side this evening, with Mario Manduzkic handed the starting role in attack. Luiz Gustavo does come into the team, but there is also no place for Arjen Robben. Juventus, meanwhile, leave Paul Pogba and Sebastian Giovinco on the bench, but Fabio Quagliarella does start.

Bayern’s confidence will have taken a hit following their home meeting with Arsenal in the previous round. They had picked up a 3-1 win in London to take charge of the tie, but were beaten 2-0 by the Gunners on their own patch. The result still saw them qualify, but it was far from comfortable. I suspect they will not repeat that performance this evening.

Arsenal are also the only side to have stopped Bayern from scoring in the Champions League this season, while they remarkably have conceded the fewest shots on target (22) in this season’s competition. As mentioned, the home side will also enter the match off the back of a 9-2 win over Hamburg in the league at the weekend.

Bayern boss Jupp Heynckes also has previous against Juventus having beaten them in the final of the Champions League when in charge of Real Madrid in 1998. The experienced boss will depart the club at the end of the season, however, allowing former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola to take charge. Not a bad replacement to bring in!

Bayern will enter the tie as favourites, but they are up against a Juventus side that is one of just two teams – the other Borussia Dortmund – that has not lost in the competition this season. The Italian outfit have also won their last five Champions League matches, which equals their best run in either the European Cup or the Champions League.

Quite remarkably, Juventus have also not conceded a single goal in their last five games in the Champions League, the longest run in the competition this season. Meanwhile, they have conceded just four goals in eight games, which is the best defensive record this season. For many people, they are the team to beat.

It isn’t all good news for Juventus, however, with the Italian club losing seven of their last eight away games in the knockout stages of the Champions League. Their record against German clubs is impressive, however, having only failed to score once in fifteen Champions League games against Bundesliga sides, although that occasion was against Bayern in 2009.

The Old Lady have not reached this stage of the competition since overcoming Barcelona in the 2002-2003 campaign, but it does appear that they could be ready to reach their previous heights. The Italian club have undoubtedly been through a transitional period, but have now emerged into a powerful side.

Let’s take a quick look at how each side has fared in their domestic division this season. Bayern have won each of their last six matches to top the Bundesliga with 72 points, 20 ahead of nearest challenges Borussia Dortmund, who won the title last season. They also have the best defensive record in the league having conceded just 13 goals and the best attack, scoring 78 times.

Juventus have been equally impressive in Serie A. They currently top the standings with 68 points, nine clear of Napoli. They too have the best defensive record in the division having conceded just 19 times, but they have scored one fewer than Roma, who have found the back of the net 60 times in their 30 matches to date.

Right, let’s take a look at how each side has fared in the competition thus far. Bayern topped Group F ahead of Valencia having registered 13 points from their six matches, they finished level on points with the Spanish outfit, but their superior goal difference of plus eight saw them advance as group winners. As mentioned, they then overcome Arsenal in the previous round.

Juventus, meanwhile, topped Group E ahead of Shakhtar Donetsk, while last year’s winners Chelsea were dumped out of the competition. The Italian side registered 12 points from their six matches, winning three and drawing three. They also had the best goal difference in the group with plus eight, the same number as Bayern. They then overcame Celtic in the previous round.

Here’s a quick word from Bayern boss Heynckes prior to the match. He told Eurosport: “Juventus are not just catenaccio. They are an excellent team with the necessary imagination and creativity. In some ways, they are a typical Italian team but, on the other hand, they have great attacking quality with outstanding midfielders such as Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vida and Claudio Marchisio. They are a very well-structured team and they have an attribute which is not so common in Italian teams in that they switch positions very well.”

Meanwhile, Juve boss Antonio Conte has attempted to play down his side’s chances of overcoming “one of the main contenders” for the competition. He told reporters at a press conference: “We know we're outsiders and that we're up against one of the main contenders. This is a chance for us to pit ourselves against the best and see how far we still have to go."

Right, we are just about five minutes from kickoff, which can mean only one thing, time for my pre-match prediction. My head is saying a home win this evening, but there is just something about Juventus at the moment which makes me think that they can secure a score draw. I am indeed going to sit on the fence and predict a 1-1 draw in the Allianz Arena.

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Here we go then. Both teams emerge from the tunnel as the wonderful Champions League tune erupts around this famous stadium. Following the completion of the pre-match handshakes and the exchanging of flags, we will get the action underway. Just a reminder that there is another Champions League tie this evening with PSG hosting Barcelona.

Just a reminder of the main team news this evening. Mandzukic is given the lone striker role for the home side, with Gomez and Pizarro both on the bench. David Alaba also starts, but there is no room for Robben. Juventus, meanwhile, leave Giovinco on the bench, but Matri does start. The away side get the action underway.

Sensational atmosphere inside the stadium this evening with both sets of supporters making their voices known. The man in the middle is our very own Mark Clattenburg, who will need to be at his best.

Good grief! Bayern lead inside the opening minute as Alaba picks up possession outside the box before thumping an effort into the bottom corner. I thought it had taken a deflection, but it was just a sensational effort. Just what the doctor ordered!

A reminder that Juventus had kept five consecutive clean sheets in the Champions League prior to this match, but that record has now been ended. The away side attempt to respond as Vidal collects possession in midfield before finding Matri, but his cross is gathered by Neuer. The stadium is absolutely bouncing.

Half-chance for the away side as Pirlo delivers a telling cross into the penalty area, but Lahm is on hand to make the clearance. Lichsteiner is involved down the right moments later as he looks for Matri, but Van Buyton is on hand with the clearance. Hardly time to take a breath in the opening six minutes of football.

Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of a few poor challenges. Vidal is a lucky man as he chops down Ribery, but the referee does not reach into his pocket. In fairness, it has been a strong response from the Italian side, who currently have possession in the Bayern half. The next goal is just absolutely crucial. One thing is for certain, Juve will not panic.

Sloppy from Bayern in the last couple of moments as a poor pass from Alaba presents another corner to Juve. Pirlo whips a dangerous cross into the box, but once more Lahm is on hand to make the clearance. Bayern just cannot get out of their own half at the moment, with Juve dominating possession of the ball. It has been one-way traffic since the goal.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes with Juventus comfortable in possession of the ball. Eventually Ribery gathers the ball before finding Muller on the right, but his ball into the box is gathered by Buffon. The Italian releases long towards Vidal, but he is felled by Van Buyton.

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The resulting free kick is taken by Pirlo, but his effort is just over the crossbar. Wonderful technique from the Italian, who struck with almost no back-lift. However, Neuer was always in control of the situation. Bayern attempt to counter immediately with Muller, but once more the final pass is wide of the desired target. Juve continue in possession with 14 minutes on the clock.

Half-chance for Juve once more as Vidal picks up possession outside the box before striking an effort towards goal, but it just flashed past the post at the final moment. Meanwhile, Bayern appear to have a slight problem here as Kroos hits the deck holding his groin. The German indeed cannot continue and is replaced by Arjen Robben.

A vast array of attacking talent on display for the home side, with Robben moving onto the right following his introduction. Bayern have just started to enjoy more of the ball with Muller and Ribery combining down the left, but the cross is collected by Buffon. Robben is involved moments later, but he can only run straight out of play.

CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the home side to add their second as Robben meets a loose ball in the box, but his thumping effort is pushed away by Buffon. Sensational save from the Italian goalkeeper. The crowd are up and suddenly it is all one-way traffic. Juve really need to just settle here with 20 minutes on the clock.

CHANCE! Another fine chance for the home side as Mandzukic robs possession in the Juve half before finding Ribery, but his effort is just deflected wide of the post. The resulting corner is towards Van Buyton, but Chiellini heads clear. Robben has an effort moments later, but again it is deflected wide.

Another half-chance arrives moments later as Dante meets a corner from Ribery, but he can only flash his header wide of the post. It has been all Bayern in the last five minutes or so, with Juve struggling to get into the match. We have seen relatively little from the likes of Matri and Quagliarella in the opening 24 minutes.

The pressure continues from the home side as Lahm wins another corner down the right. The resulting set piece is delivered once more by Ribery, but Buffon just manages to collect under pressure from Van Buyton. The Italian's long kick moves towards Vidal, but Lahm is across to clear. Sensational 26 minutes of football in the Champions League, with the home side 1-0 ahead courtesy of that early Alaba strike.

Penalty shout for the home side as Muller goes down in the box, but the referee is not interested. The pressure remains with Robben and Ribery both dancing into the box, but it comes to nothing with the away side awarded the goal kick. Juventus are under some real pressure at the moment as they continue to force corner after corner. Can they score a second before the break?

It's a nasty challenge from Vidal as the Juventus midfielder dives into the back of Ribery, but once more the referee does not award a yellow card. The Frenchman appears to be in some discomfort here as he rolls around on the pitch. However, it does appear that he will be fit to continue. Safe to say the home support are not happy with the decision!

CHANCE! Bayern come within a whisker of their second as Schweinsteiger whips a dangerous free kick into the box, but it just moves high of the crossbar. Another opportunity arrives moments later following a poor pass from Peluso, but Robben's cross is short. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining.

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CHANCE! Juventus simply cannot keep hold of possession at the moment as Bayern continue to flood down each wing. I could be wrong, but I do not think Matri has seen the ball in the opening 34 minutes. Glorious chance for Robben moments later as he meets a cross from Muller, but he can only fire wide of the post.

Half-chance for Matri as the striker comes close to collecting a long pass from Pirlo, but it just moves away from the Italian at the vital moment. Pirlo is once more involved as he searches out Vidal, but the midfielder loses possession before Mandzukic wins another free kick outside the penalty area.

It's a wonderful free kick from Schweinsteiger, but Mandzukic can only head wide of the target from close range. Robben has another strike from distance moments later, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. I have not seen Juventus dominated like this in some time. But Bayern will feel aggrieved to have not scored another goal.

Penalty shout for the home side as Mandzukic is bundled over in the penalty area by Chiellini, but the referee is simply not interested. Just wonderful from Ribery in that period of play as the Frenchman dazzled the Juve defence before whipping a low cross into the box. How on earth are Bayern not out of sight here as Buffon turns another Alaba effort wide of the post.

Bayern continue to keep hold of the ball in the latter stages of the first period, but Juve somehow remain in the match. Alaba is a lucky boy to escape a booking, meanwhile, as he barges into the back of Lichsteiner. The resulting free kick is taken by Pirlo, but it moves straight out of play. Little over three minutes of the first period remaining.

Again it is wonderful work from Ribery as the Frenchman drives into the box before releasing a pass towards Robben, but Barzagli is across to clear, before Schweinsteiger fires over moments later.

Mandzukic enters the referee's book for a late challenge on Vidal, which was slightly harsh. The resulting free kick is whipped into the box by Vidal, but Van Buyton is back to make the clearance. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes of added time and we are indeed into the first of those.

CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the away side as Chiellini meets a corner from Pirlo, but he can only head just over the crossbar. Stunning delivery from Pirlo, who has once more been his side's best player.

So there we have it. Mark Clattenburg brings the first period to an end with Bayern leading 1-0 on the night. The goal came in the opening minute with a long-range strike from Alaba, but they should be out of sight following a host of glorious opportunities.

STATISTICS: Juventus have just shaded the possession with 52%, but they have managed just two attempts to Bayern's nine. It could be no exaggeration to say that Bayern could have been 5-0 up at this stage of the match. Will they be made to regret those missed chances?

BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Shaqiri, Pizzaro and Gomez, although I would be astounded if their attack was changed at this point of the match. Juventus also have options, meanwhile, with the likes of Vucinic and Giovinco in reserve.

UPDATE: Of course there is another Champions League quarter-final tie taking place this evening with Barcelona travelling to Paris Saint-Germain. Both sides have had chances, but the Spanish side lead 1-0 at the interval courtesy of a fine finish from Lionel Messi. I shall keep you up-to-date with that one as the evening unfolds.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. No changes for either side at the interval which is perhaps not too surprising at this stage of the match. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to come next week. Bayern get the half underway.

Confident start to the second period from the home side as Alaba darts down the left before finding Robben on the edge of the box, but the Dutchman is just closed down at the vital moment. Surely Juventus cannot be as tentative as they were in the first half of action. This match is just so delicately poised. Juve would certainly take a narrow defeat this evening.

Ribery is again involved for Bayern as he closes down a loose pass from Bonucci, but he is then chopped down by the Italian defender. The free kick is taken quickly towards Alaba, but the Swiss cannot find Lahm. Juve attack down the left with Peluso, but once more it comes to nothing.

Half-chance for Bayern to add their second as Mandzukic meets a through pass from Lahm before striking an effort on goal, but Buffon was down low to make the save. The home side are absolutely dominating Juve in the wide areas this evening. Surely Bayern will not miss as many chances in this half of football. Can they?!

Good possession from the home side as they continue to probe outside the Juventus penalty area, but the Italian side are able to quell the danger on this occasion. Robben is again involved moments later as he slides a pass behind the away side's defence, but Buffon is out to collect. Based on this performance, Bayern look too good for the Italian outfit.

Another half-chance comes to the home side as Gustavo strikes an effort from distance, but I think it has landed somewhere in the centre of Munich. Not the person you would want in that area. Juve attempt to break down the other end with Lichsteiner, but the Swiss cannot keep hold of the ball, before Chiellini is booked for a challenge on Mandzukic.

Another shooting opportunity comes to the home side as Vidal fells Ribery outside the penalty area. Alaba strikes the free kick, but Buffon gets down well to make the save. The home supporters are absolutely bouncing at the moment as their team continues to utterly dominate this football match. However, the score remains just 1-0.

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Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of handing possession away in midfield. Juventus have seen more the ball in the last few minutes, but they are just not offering an attacking threat. Wouldn't it be just like football if they managed to steal one on the break.

Again Mandzukic is involved for the home side as he collects possession on the left before driving a high cross into the box, but it evades everyone before moving out for a throw. Lahm attacks down the other side moments later, but Matri is across to make the challenge. Little under 30 minutes of football remaining in Munich.

Vidal is once more penalised for a foul on Ribery, but the referee is still not interested in taking his name. Surely he must be on his last warning now. Still no movement on either bench, although I suspect that will change in the next five minutes or so. It has just become slightly bitty in the past few minutes with Juventus tightening up in defence.

Bayern score their second of the evening as Muller taps home from close range following a pass from Mandzukic. Buffon has to be culpable for his part in the goal, however, with the Italian goalkeeper palming Gustavo's cross straight to the feet of Mandzukic. There is the decisive second goal.

Well, that certainly changes the feel of this match. Conte does not hang around as he makes two changes with Giovinco and Vucinic replacing Matri and Quagliarella. Straight swap for the Italian outfit. They have just about 25 minutes to score an away goal, or they will face a big task in the second leg next week.

Again Juventus are in all sorts of trouble as they attempt to play from the back, but they lose possession at the vital moment. Luckily for the Italian side, Ribery cannot make the most of the gift. Robben is involved down the other wing moments later, but his cross is handled by Vidal, who does indeed now pick up a booking.

The resulting free kick is fired into the penalty area by Alaba, but it is just wide of the post. Vucinic attempts to force the issue for Juventus as he dances into the Bayern half, but Ribery is back to make the challenge. However, his cutting pass moves through to the Juventus goalkeeper. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining.

Half-chance for the away side this time as Vidal meets a cross from Lichsteiner, but his effort is straight at Neuer. The latter has an effort of his own moments later, but once more the German goalkeeper makes the save. Ribery has a long-range strike down the other end, but Buffon palms away for a corner.

As it stands, Juventus would still feel confident of turning it around in the second period, but another Bayern goal could put this tie beyond doubt. A goal for the away side and this tie is very much back on. Massive 15 minutes of football to come in this European clash. No real chances in the last few moments with Juventus enjoying a spell with the ball.

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Mandzukic has been simply stunning this evening, the only thing missing from his performance is a goal. He continues to win the aerial battle with Chiellini, who is currently on a yellow card. Robben attempts to force the issue down the left moments later, but Buffon comes to collect. Bayern has a similar chance moments later, but it comes to nothing.

Meanwhile, Juventus make their third and final change of the match as Paul Pogba replaces Peluso for the final 10 minutes or so. Bayern still have two changes remaining if they should so wish. Neither side is creating too much at the moment with both guilty of poor passing in possession of the ball. Meanwhile, Lichsteiner picks up a booking for simulation.

UPDATE: PSG have levelled against Barcelona and it is Zlatan Ibrahimovic with the ball. Although replays have shown that the Sweden international was offside. Harsh on the Spanish outfit. Right, we have little over 10 minutes remaining in Munich.

Mandzukic is again involved for the home side as he wins possession in his own half before finding Robben, but Pogba is allowed to make the challenge. The Frenchman is then robbed of possession, but Bayern decide to keep the ball rather than launch an attack. Will we have late drama here?

Another half-chance for the home side as Alaba's free kick is struck straight at Buffon, but this time the Italian is able to palm clear of the penalty area. Once more Juventus attempt to break with Vucinic, but he cannot keep hold of the ball before Gustavo is booked for simulation down the other end.

Not too much to report in the last few moments with neither side taking too much care in possession of the ball. Juventus attempt to force the issue with a series of high balls into the Bayern box, but the likes of Dante and Van Buyton are comfortable in dealing with the danger. Little under five minutes of action remaining.

The home supporters want Vidal sent from the pitch as he again clashes with Ribery, but once more the referee decides to side with the Juventus midfielder. A searching cross from Pirlo causes all sorts of problems in the Bayern box, but Giovinco just could not make contact before Pogba's effort is blocked.

UPDATE: Barcelona have taken the lead in Paris following a penalty from Xavi. Not long remaining in that one. Better from Juventus in the last couple of moments, but they just cannot find that elusive pass in the final third. Little under one minute of normal time remaining.

Robben is again involved as he attempts to craft his way into the box before slipping a low pass behind the Juve defence, but Buffon is out to collect. Muller has another fine chance moments later, but he can only fire over the crossbar from close range.

Bayern make their second change of the match as Mandzukic is replaced by Mario Gomez. Huge ovation for the departing striker, who has been wonderful this evening. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of stoppage time and we are indeed into the second of those as Shaqiri replaces Ribery.

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So there we have it. Bayern score a goal in each half to secure a 2-0 lead in the first leg of their quarter-final tie. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick with us for all the reaction. Good evening!