Barcelona faces a defining moment in their European campaign Wednesday night as they host Bayern Munich at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, seeking to end a devastating run of six straight losses to the German champions, including the infamous 8-2 defeat in 2020.
Under former Bayern coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona enters the contest with renewed confidence, having transformed from the dysfunction of Xavi’s final season into legitimate contenders. The Catalans currently top La Liga and demonstrated their potency with a commanding 5-1 victory over Sevilla last weekend.
Bayern Munich, led by Vincent Kompany, arrives in Catalunya following their own impressive 4-0 triumph over Stuttgart, though they’re looking to bounce back from a surprising defeat at Aston Villa in their previous Champions League outing. The Bavarians have dominated recent meetings, winning the last four encounters by a combined score of 11-0.
Barcelona faces significant defensive challenges, missing Ronaldo Araujo, Eric Garcia, and Andreas Christensen through injury. Young goalkeeper Inaki Pena will continue in place of the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen, while teenage center-back Pau Cubarsi partners Inigo Martinez in defense.
The hosts received a boost with Gavi’s return from knee injury, though Flick is expected to exercise caution with the midfielder’s reintegration. Fermin Lopez could earn a starting role after impressing as a substitute against Sevilla, while Robert Lewandowski leads the attack against his former club.
Bayern will be without midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic, who suffered a broken collarbone against Stuttgart. Joao Palhinha and Joshua Kimmich are expected to anchor the midfield, while Harry Kane spearheads an attack that could see Thomas Muller start if Jamal Musiala isn’t deemed fully fit.
“This Barcelona team has rediscovered its identity under Flick,” said veteran football analyst Joan Vehils. “The pressing game and youth integration have transformed them, but Bayern represents the ultimate test of their progress.”
The match, scheduled for 20:00 BST under Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, promises an intriguing tactical battle between Flick’s high-pressing system and Kompany’s possession-based approach. Barcelona’s recent domestic form suggests they could finally end their Bayern curse, though the visitors’ experience in high-stakes European nights makes them perpetually dangerous.
