Juve's Mandzukic loses race to face Bayern in Munich

Mario Mandzukic lost his race to be fit for Juventus at Bayern Munich on Wednesday with Spain striker Alvaro Morata lining up for the second leg of the Champions League last 16 clash which stands at 2-2.

Injuries had forced Massimiliano Allegri into a string of changes after midfielder Claudio Marchisio and striker Paulo Dybala were both ruled out with calf injuries in training on Monday.

Mandzukic had been rated 'doubtful' by Allegri after struggling with a leg knock and the Croatia international missed the chance to play against his former employers Bayern in Munich.

Paul Pogba partnered Sami Khedira in Juve's defensive midfield with Juan Cuadrado on the right wing, Alex Sandro on the left and Brazil's Hernanes playing behind Morata as the lone striker.

Bayern coach Pep Guardiola was without Dutch winger Arjen Robben, who dropped out with a heavy cold.

It left Brazil's Douglas Costa on Bayern's right, Franck Ribery on the left either side of central midfielders Thomas Mueller and Arturo Vidal with Robert Lewandowski as striker.

Guardiola opted for a back four with converted midfielder Joshua Kimmich partering Mehdi Benatia at centre-back with David Alaba and captain Philipp Lahm as wing backs.

Starting line-ups for the Champions League last 16, second leg between Bayern Munich and Juventus at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday (tie level at 2-2 on aggregate):

Bayern Munich (4-1-4-1)

Manuel Neuer, Philipp Lahm (capt), Joshua Kimmich, Mehdi Benatia, David Alaba; Xabi Alonso; Douglas Costa, Thomas Mueller, Arturo Vidal, Franck Ribery; Robert Lewandowski

Coach: Pep Guardiola (ESP)

Juventus (4-2-3-1)

Gianluigi Buffon; Stephan Lichtsteiner, Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Patrice Evra; Paul Pogba, Sami Khedira; Juan Cuadrado, Hernanes, Alex Sandro; Alvaro Morata

Coach: Massimiliano Allegri (ITA)

Referee: Jonas Eriksson (SWE)
Source :AFP