Barcelona’s recovery session with Bayern on the horizon
The activity continues in the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper and Sunday morning saw the start of preparations to train for the key match in Europe.
Bayern Munich vs Barcelona: Line-ups
Bayern Munich
Barcelona
Europa League on the Horizon for Barca
#1
Still yet to be assured of a place in the Champions League knockout rounds, Barcelona face a mammoth task against Bayern Munich in Wednesday’s final Group E clash. Julian Nagelsmann’s side are already guaranteed to finish first, while La Blaugrana are in a two-way fight with Benfica for second place.
#2
No team in the 2021-22 Champions League has scored more goals than Bayern’s 19 in the group stages, with the German champions scoring at least two per game and hitting both Dynamo Kiev and Benfica for five at the Allianz Arena already.
#3
Nagelsmann’s side have not been without their faults this season, but they have won eight of their nine home games in all tournaments since the season kicked off, and Barcelona’s teething issues under Xavi are apparent.
#4
A paltry tally of three wins from their last nine in all tournaments represents a true fall from grace for Barcelona, but they ought to take confidence from their away form in Europe – losing just one of their last 10 Champions League games on the road.
#5
Such a streak may pale into insignificance against a well-oiled Bayern machine, though, with the German champions running riot in a 3-0 Camp Nou win earlier this season – Barca’s fifth defeat from their last six games versus the Bavarian powerhouses.
DPP Verdict
Barcelona have far more riding on this game than Bayern do, but it is difficult to see a Blaugrana team low on confidence and numbers springing any surprises at the Allianz Arena. Some expected changes in the home defence will aid Barca’s prospects of making the net ripple, but Nagelsmann’s side could very well condemn the Catalans to the unfamiliar territory of Europa League football this week.
