Guardiola bemoans prospect of playing CSKA in empty stadium
BERLIN - Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has bemoaned the fact his team will play CSKA Moscow behind closed doors in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The Russian side have been punished by governing body UEFA after fan unrest during their group stage match against Czech club Viktoria Plzen last season and only a sparse number of people will be inside the Khimki Arena for the second match of this season in European club football's showpiece event.
"I've never experienced it and I really hope it's the last time," Guardiola said of playing before an empty stadium.
"We will have to adapt to the situation, but it's a little strange all the same."
Guardiola added that five-time former European champions Bayern had a "big, big chance to take a further step forward" after their opening 1-0 victory over Manchester City in Group E.
Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge also bemoaned the fact there'd be no fans in front of whom to play.
"Football is a question of atmosphere and emotion," he said.
"But there will only be a handful of officials and journalists. I feel sorry for the fans, some of whom haven't missed a single Bayern away match in 25 years."
HEADLINES
- Biggest winners and losers from Champions League quarterfinals
- Tuchel: Gnabry 'will play and score' vs. Madrid but Sane doubtful
- Olympiacos make history by winning UEFA Youth League
- Lyon score 3 times in last 10 minutes to stun PSG in Women's UCL semis
- Chelsea Women hand Barcelona 1st home defeat in over 5 years