Bayern Munich defender Jonathan Tah has highlighted the importance of winning individual duels and second balls as the German giants prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League semifinal. The center-back believes that these aspects will be decisive in determining which team advances to the final.
Speaking ahead of the crucial clash, Tah stressed that the match will be won or lost in the physical battles across the pitch. "It's all about dominating your direct opponent and being first to the loose balls," the 29-year-old said. "That's where the game will be decided."
Bayern head into the fixture needing to overturn a deficit from the first leg, where they suffered a narrow defeat in Munich. The Bundesliga champions face a daunting task at the Parc des Princes, but Tah remains confident in his team's ability to turn the tie around.
"We know we have to be at our absolute best," Tah added. "PSG have world-class players, but if we win our individual battles and control the second balls, we can impose our game on them."
The German international, who has been a rock at the heart of Bayern's defense this season, is no stranger to high-pressure Champions League nights. However, he admitted that the atmosphere surrounding this tie is unique. "This is a massive game for us, and we are fully focused on executing our plan," he said.
Bayern's tactical approach will likely emphasize pressing high and recovering possession quickly to disrupt PSG's rhythm. Tah's role in organizing the backline will be critical, especially against the pace and creativity of Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.
With the match set to be a tense affair, Tah's message to his teammates is clear: every duel matters. "From the first whistle, we need to be aggressive and win those battles. That sets the tone for the rest of the game," he concluded.
Bayern will need to produce a disciplined and physically dominant performance to keep their Champions League hopes alive. All eyes will be on Tah and his defensive partners to lead the charge.
Based on reporting from Fútbol.