The 2022/23 UEFA Champions League match week 2 starts on September 14, 2022.
The match that won’t let down any side of the fan group and the neutral is Bayern Munich vs Barcelona at Allianz Arena.
Head to Head: Bayern Munich vs Barcelona
Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona have faced each other practically every year since 2020, and the schtick is getting a little old now.
Bayern Munich has gotten the better of Barcelona in recent encounters – the 8-2 mauling in 2020, the back-to-back 3-0 victories in the group stages of the competition last year. For once, though, it looks like the Bavarians are not overwhelming favorites going into the game.
Former Bayern player Robert Lewandowski returns to the Allianz Arena fresh from scoring a hat-trick in Barcelona’s comprehensive 5-1 victory over Viktoria Plzen.
Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich: UEFA Group Stage Preview >>
Bayern Munich has won their last four meetings against Barcelona. The Bundesliga winner Munich has scored 17 goals in the process. Four of them were hit by Lewandowski.
Julian Nagelsmann‘s side, who eased to victory over Inter in their opening game, may have something to say about that.
Fun Fact: Bayern is unbeaten at home against Barcelona in European competition, winning four and drawing two of the teams’ previous six encounters in Munich.
Bayern Form guide: D-W-D-W-D
Barcelona Form guide: W-W-W-W-W
Last 5 match Analysis: Bayern Munich and Barcelona
| Last 5 Matches Performance | Bayern | Barcelona |
| Possessions | 69% | 66% |
| Goals scored | 11 | 20 |
| Goals Conceded | 4 | 2 |
| Pass Accuracy | 88.2 | 87.4% |
| Fouls per Game | 10.4 | 11.6 |
| Shots | 24.4 | 18.6 |
| Shots received | 6.2 | 8.2 |
| Goals per Game | 2.2 | 4 |
| Goals Conceded per Game | 0.8 | 0.4 |
Team News
Bayern
Bayern will likely be missing Kingsley Coman and Bouna Sarr for this UCL heavyweight class.
We can expect one change to the side that started against Inter in the Champions League last week, with Gnabry coming in for Coman, so Mane could play at center-forward.
Barcelona
Meanwhile, Blaugrana is taking a 25-man squad to Munich for this match, with Sergi Roberto included despite missing out against Cadiz on Saturday with a slight muscular problem. Barcelona has no other injuries issue, and they are expected to be fully fit.
Players To Watch Out For
Sadio Mane
Sadio Mane was Bayern Munich’s answer after losing Robert Lewandowski in the summer. The former Liverpool star was brought in due to his versatility in the final third with his goalscoring power.
A month into the new season, Mane has scored five goals for Bayern in all competitions so far.
Source: Instagram
Mane has not had the best of starts to his career in Bavaria, but the forward certainly has the skill set to cause all kinds of trouble for the Barcelona defenders.
Mane plays as number 9 in Julian Nagelsmann’s system. Tracking his movements could be a challenge for the Barcelona defenders, especially when there are quick turnovers.
Jamal Musiala
The young playmaker has already established himself as one of Bayern’s most influential creative players.
His ability to drift past opposition defenders and squeeze through tight spaces could go a long way in helping Bayern navigate through the Barcelona press.
Jamal Musiala can be particularly effective in exploiting the lack of mobility of Barcelona’s No. 6 Sergio Busquets. Hence, it will be imperative for the La Liga giants to offer strong resistance in the second line of press.
Robert Lewandowski
It didn’t take much time to replace the absentees of Lionel Messi from Barcelona. The Catalunya club signed Lewandowski on the summer transfer of 2022. He has perfectly fit into the Blaugrana side due to his goalscoring abilities.
Source: Instagram
The veteran striker has scored six goals and 2 assists in all competitions. He has had the best start of his career at Barca.
Lineup Prediction
Bayern XI (4-2-3-1): Neuer, Pavard, De Ligt, L Hernandez, Davies, Kimmich, Sabitzer, Gnabry, Muller, Sane, Mane.
Barca XI (4-3-3): Ter Stegen, Kounde, Araujo, E Garcia, Balde, Gavi, Busquets, Pedri, Raphinha, Lewandowski, Dembele.
Match Prediction: Barcelona are looking great under Xavi, finally clicking as a unit, and on their day, it might make matches look like a walk in the park. Although, Bayern aren’t going to be easy and would be raring to go, especially after their recent patch of poor home form.
Prediction: Bayern 1-1 Barcelona
Match Broadcast
Bayern Munich vs Barcelona will kick off at 8:00 PM (UK Time).
USA: CBS Network.
UK: BT Sports.
Germany: DAZN Amazon Prime Video, WOW, ZDFsport.
Spain: Telefonica.
India/Nepal: Sony Liv, Sony Ten 2.
