Bayern Munich

If you’re curious as to why you’re suddenly being inundated with photos of Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti looking quizzical with his eyebrow cocked, it’s because Bayern Munich have parted ways with the coach following their 3-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. 

First things first before we move on to lesser talking points: there was no penalty awarded to PSG on Wednesday, but Neymar and Edinson Cavani took turns on direct free kicks. They also shared moments of slightly frigid tenderness, Cavani comforting Neymar after a terrible miss and Neymar belatedly arriving to congratulate Cavani on his superbly taken goal.

So this is it. The 2017 portion of Paris Saint-Germain’s 2017-18 season boils down to Wednesday’s match against Bayern Munich at the Parc des Princes, followed by their clash on December 5 at the Allianz. Will Neymar do enough in those two matches to kick-start his campaign for the 2018 Ballon d’Or?

Bayern Munich goalkeeper and Germany No. 1 Manuel Neuer is out until January after undergoing foot surgery recently. While Neuer is considered one of the best goalies in the world, most assumed Bayern would have the strength and depth to maintain its high standars without him. That was until a Sven Ulreich howler cost the German giants two points on Friday.

Bayern Munich defeated Schalke 3-0 on Tuesday with James Rodriguez factoring heavily in his first Bundesliga start for the Bavarians. Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring from the spot, and James put Bayern up 2-0 before halftime with his first goal for the club. James then put the finishing touches on the victory with a fantastic feed for Arturo Vidal in the 75th minute.

Bayern Munich will be without the best goalkeeper in the world until at least January 2018 after Manuel Neuer underwent surgery for a broken foot earlier this week.

Update: @Manuel_Neuer has suffered a hairline metatarsal fracture in his left foot & has had successful surgery.