Champions League underdogs host a European giant

Bayern Munich will travel to Austria on Wednesday to take on Red Bull Salzburg in the first-leg of their round of 16 tie in the Champions League. Salzburg will be in good spirits and will fancy their chances to get something from a Bayern team who suffered a shock 4-2 defeat to VfL Bochum at the weekend.

Salzburg hoping for a miracle

Red Bull Salzburg became the first side from Austria in Champions League history to reach the round of 16 after their second place finish in Group D landed them a spot in the knockouts.

Last three Champions League results:

Wolfsburg 2-1 RB Salzburg (02.11.21)

Lille 1-0 RB Salzburg (23.11.21)

RB Salzburg 1-0 Sevilla (08.12.21)

Their group stage fate in the Champions League was decided when Noah Okafor scored the winner against Sevilla to secure second spot in the group back in December.

Meanwhile, in the league, Salzburg have been a dominant force. They're some 14 points clear at the top and will find little distraction in their domestic push for the title with such a cushion at the top.

Bayern trip over Bochum

Their 4-2 loss to Bochum at the weekend sent shockwaves across European football. Particularly considering these four goals were all conceded in the first half. But they're back in European action on Wednesday in Austria.

Last three Champions League results:

Bayern 5-2 Benfica (02.11.21)

Dynamo Kyiv 1-2 Bayern (23.11.21)

Bayern 3-0 Barcelona (08.12.21)

Once again, Bayern have cruised into the knockout stages. Julian Nagelsmann's men have ran rampant in their group stages, and their 100% record still makes them one of the favourites to win the whole competition.

Bayern currently hold the longest unbeaten run away from home turf in the history of the Champions League, not losing any of their last 21 matches away from home. It's safe to say that they'll be firm favourites come Wednesday night.

Some interesting trivia:

- RB Salzburg have won just one of their last six games against German opponents in European competition.

- These two sides faced off in last years Champions League group stages. Bayern won both games, 6-2 away from home and 3-1 in Bavaria)

- This will be the fourth time Bayern have faced Austrian opposition in European competition, winning the past three.

The Verdict:

Bayern will be firm favourites, that's for sure. But RB Salzburg's impressive campaign is unlikely to end in a whimper. They'll counter Julian Nagelsmann's all-out-attack method and could well grab a goal or two if Bayern play like they did on Saturday.

That's why I'm going with over 3.5 goals with bet365.

Bet Over 3.5 goals on Bet365