After recent struggles in the Champions League, including two group stage exits and a quarter-final loss to PSG last season, FC Barcelona are aiming to make a strong return in the competition’s revamped format.
Their campaign, however, got off to a rough start with a 2-1 defeat to AS Monaco, a match that was heavily impacted by an early red card for Araujo.
Barcelona quickly rebounded with a dominant 5-0 win over Young Boys earlier this month. In La Liga, despite a surprise 4-2 defeat to Osasuna, Hansi Flick’s side has performed well, most recently securing a 3-0 victory against Alavés before the international break. Up next, they face Sevilla before a critical Champions League clash with Bayern Munich as they aim to maintain their top spot in La Liga.
Bayern Munich, who reached last season’s Champions League semi-finals before being eliminated by eventual winners Real Madrid, are once again among the favorites.
They started this year’s campaign in explosive fashion, routing Dinamo Zagreb 9-2, but then stumbled with a 1-0 loss to Aston Villa, leaving them in a challenging position in the group standings.
In the Bundesliga, Bayern, led by Harry Kane, are currently level on points with RB Leipzig after back-to-back league draws—1-1 against Bayer Leverkusen and 3-3 with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Barcelona has received some positive injury news, with Frenkie de Jong returning after a long absence and likely to be in contention for a starting role. Defenders Araujo and Christensen, along with summer signing Dani Olmo, are also expected to be available.
However, key players like Gavi (still recovering), Ter Stegen (likely out for the season), Fermin Lopez (recovery setback), and Bernal (season-ending injury) will be unavailable.
Robert Lewandowski, in top form with 10 La Liga goals and 2 in the Champions League, will lead the attack, supported by in-form wingers Lamine Yamal (4 goals, 5 assists) and Raphinha (5 goals, 4 assists). Veteran goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is expected to start in goal, stepping in after Ter Stegen’s injury.
Bayern Munich also faces injury challenges. Summer recruit Hiroki Ito, Josip Stanisic, and right-back Sacha Boey are sidelined, along with key players like Jamal Musiala (3 goals), French defender Dayot Upamecano, and young talent Mathys Tel.
Despite these setbacks, Bayern will still have a potent attack, with Harry Kane (5 goals, 4 assists in the Bundesliga, and 4 goals in the Champions League) leading the charge. He will be supported by German international Serge Gnabry (2 goals, 2 assists) and French winger Michael Olise (4 goals, 2 assists).
Prediction
Whenever Bayern Munich visits, goals are almost always guaranteed. Ten of Bayern’s 14 away matches this season have seen over 2.5 goals, while Barcelona’s recent Champions League encounters have followed a similar trend, with 10 of their last 16 matches featuring high scores. Expect an exciting match.
Prediction: Barcelona 2-3 Bayern Munich
