Match Preview
Barcelona returns to action with a trip to Germany for the first significant test of the season when they face Bayern Munich in Matchday 2 of the Champions League group stage at the Allianz Arena. This comes after a comfortable victory over Cádiz to maintain their unbeaten start to the La Liga season at the weekend.
Xavi Hernández did a great job of rotating his best players in and out of the lineup over the last two games to get them as close to 100% for this one, and they are all fit and ready to go just a few hours away from what is unquestionably Barça’s toughest challenge so far. This comes after a summer of significant investment in the squad.
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This season, the Blaugrana are flying high, scoring goals joyfully, and their defense is more robust and stable. However, the Bayern defense is large, quick, and physical, and their assault is about as lethal as it gets whether it is from protracted possession periods or blazing-fast counterattacks that tear open defenders.
When these two teams faced off in the group stage of last season, Julian Nagelsmann’s team completely devastated Barça in both games, and it was the loss in Munich that consigned the Blaugrana to the Europa League in one of the most sad moments in club history. The Catalans’ situation has changed drastically in less than a year, and it is evident that they are now more than capable of putting up a strong fight and maybe, just maybe, pulling off the upset when they arrive in Munich.
Robert Lewandowski, who switched from Bayern to Barça this summer and is the center of attention in his debut matchup with his old team, is their best cause for optimism. The Blaugrana’s chances of getting a result on Tuesday night are directly correlated with Lewy’s ability to score or use his presence in the box to set up his teammates for scoring opportunities. The Pole has been a perfect fit and cannot stop scoring for Barça.
Despite not exactly lighting up the Bundesliga so far this season, Bayern still deserve to be the favorites, and their convincing victory over Inter Milan last week served as a reminder of just how excellent they still are. To even stand a chance, Barça will need to perform at their absolute peak, and any outcome other than a loss will be reason for joy.
This will be a ton of fun, and I firmly believe Barça will demonstrate they are capable of competing with the best on the continent. winner, loser, or tie.
POSSIBLE LINEUPS
Barcelona (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Eric, Alba; Gavi, Busquets, Pedri; Dembélé, Lewandowski, Raphinha
Bayern (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Pavard, Upamecano, Hernández, Davies; Kimmich, Sabitzer; Sané, Müller, Musiala; Mané
Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
Referee: Danny Makkelie (NED)
VAR: Pol van Boekel (NED)
Date/Time: Tuesday, September 13, 2022, 9pm CET (Barcelona), 8pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 12.30am IST (India, Wednesday)