Al Ahly vs Bayern live on February 8, 2021: How to watch this FIFA Club World Cup semi-final in 80+ countries

February 8, 2021 By Ali M.

Topics: TV Schedules, Al Ahly, Bayern Munich, FIFA Club World Cup

The Bundesliga giants embark on their campaign to win the sextuple but must beat the champions of Africa to make the final. Here's a preview of Monday's clash.

Al Ahly vs Bayern Munich – Preview

UEFA Champions League holders Bayern Munich will be making their bow in the FIFA Club World Cup on Monday, taking on Al Ahly in an interesting semi-final encounter. A spot in the coveted final is at stake in this 1 p.m. clash, which will be aired live on Fox Sports in the USA and on BBC Sport in the UK.

The German giants have enjoyed a tremendous year since appointing Hans Flick as the successor and will be aiming to add yet another title to their trophy cabinet. Since their managerial change, the Bundesliga heavyweights have lifted five trophies and are two wins away from adding a sixth.

The champions of Europe were given a bye to the semis and will now make their entrance on the back of a recent 1-0 win over Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga. Lewandowski and Co. were not at their best, with their Polish superstar missing a penalty.

This is die Roten's first appearance in this competition since 2013 when they Guangzhou Evergrande and Raja Casablanca en route to the title. Will their seven-year wait end in a second FIFA Club World Cup crown?

Al Ahly are also making their first appearance in over seven years, but unlike their European counterpart, the champions of Africa were made to work for their semi-final spot. The Egyptian club had to fight off Al Duhail, beating the Qatari club 1-0 in the previous round. However, overcoming Bayern Munich will be a whole different task.

Team news

Al Ahly: Akram Tawfik could be involved as the African champions might rely on deep blocks and counter-attacks to beat Bayern. As a result, Hussein El Shahat and Taher Mohamed are destined to get a nod and could trouble the German's back-four with their speed.

Bayern Munich: The Germans are without Leon Goretzka and Javi Martinez, meaning Marco Roca is likely to start. Jerome Boateng and Alphonso Davies are tipped to return to the starting eleven, but with one eye on the final, Flick could rest a few other key players for the ultimate game.

Key stats

Al Ahly haven't lost a game in the Egyptian league this season.
Bayern have kept a clean sheet in three of their last five games.
The 1-0 win over Hertha was the first game in 2021 that Lewandowski failed to score in.