Bayern Munich are 'hungry' for European success and Leroy Sane is 'blossoming'

The Bavarian giants travel to Austria for the first leg of their knockout tie on February 16, before welcoming Matthias Jaissle's side to the Allianz Arena on March 8.

A technical error meant the original draw, where Bayern were paired with Atletico Madrid, was declared void and UEFA decided that it would be done again in full.

The Bundesliga giants topped Group E with 18 points from their six games, ahead of Benfica, Barcelona and Dynamo Kyiv to progress.

It's the shortest possible away trip for Julian Nagelsmann's side, who have faced Salzburg twice before. Bayern produced comprehensive wins in last season's group stage, prevailing 6-2 in Austria and 3-1 back in Germany.

talkSPORT caught up with German football expert Jonathan Harding who gave his thoughts ahead of the clash.

What are your initial thoughts on the draw from Bayern's perspective?

"I think Bayern have to be happy with the draw, especially given they drew Atletico Madrid in the first, faulty draw. Salzburg are a familiar opponent for Bayern in that they played each other at the end of 2020 and there's going to be even greater confidence having avoided a potentially trickier tie.

"That is not to disrespect Salzburg, who pose a different challenge than last time, but Bayern will still arrive with their chest out as they say in German."

How do you think Bayern will approach the game?

"On the front foot. Bayern exploded late in the first game in Salzburg in 2020 having been slow to get going, but under Nagelsmann I think Bayern will be keen to end the contest quickly.

"The Bayern boss has made small changes to the team, notably the positioning and use of wingbacks, which in turn has allowed Leroy Sane to blossom in a slightly more central position.

"Their dominance in the Bundesliga might have been par for the course in recent years, but the manner of their victories under Nagelsmann suggests this is a more flexible side hungry for more European success."

What has impressed you about Salzburg?

"Their dominance domestically might not be a surprise in recent years, but like Bayern, it leaves them using Europe as a platform to truly test themselves.

"To get out of a group with Sevilla and upstarts Lille was no easy feat and their presence in the knockout rounds shows this is a team capable of taking the next step.

"I think Matthias Jaissle has brought good stability and clarity to the team and has Salzburg using the ball better than before."

What chance do you believe Salzburg have against Bayern at Salzburg and in Munich?

"They always have a chance - this is sport after all. The first leg in Salzburg is decisive though. Jaissle's side has to give itself a chance going to Munich, and cannot afford to be exposed late on as was the case in 2020.

"Salzburg will need to be at their best for the entire 90 minutes to make sure that their trip to Munich is not just a wasted game. If Salzburg can close down Bayern's wingbacks and eliminate the threat of Sane, then they will have done better than most.

"Whether that will be enough remains to be seen, but Borussia Monchengladbach have shown this season that it is possible to rock even this version of Bayern."

How impressed have you been with former Bayern youngster Karim Adeyemi?

"Very. Karim Adeyemi has a lot of ability for his age and given the dearth of striker quality in Germany there is a huge opportunity for him to take up a mantle German football has long been worrying about.

"His movement and finishing ability are really impressive and his presence adds another dimension to this team. Bayern's defenders will have to be wary of a player who has the capability to really pose problems."