Getty Images
Many hoped that FC Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich would be the Champions League final. Now, many are wishing that Bayern Munich were without injuries to see how the two best teams in Europe this season truly matched up with one another. Regardless, Pep Guardiola will have Bayern ready as they head to his old stomping grounds as a coach and player. This time, his team may have too many obstacles to overcome.
Robert Lewandowski is overcoming two facial fractures and was seen at practice on Monday sporting a mask. His status for the first leg is still unknown, although defender Jerome Boateng said that he will play. Bayern are already without Arjen Robben, who is out for the remainder of the year with a calf tear. Bastian Schweinsteiger and Franck Ribery remain doubtful.
Meanwhile, Barcelona have a fully healthy squad that are leading La Liga. They have won 36 of their last 40 games in all competitions, and will be coming in as one of the most in-form clubs in Europe. They dealt an 8-0 defeat to Cordoba this past weekend. It was the 13th time this season that Barcelona scored at least five goals in a match. With two goals this past weekend, Lionel Messi now has 40 goals in La Liga. Luis Suarez added his first hat trick with the club.
Needless to say, the pressure will be on the defense of Bayern, which will likely be some combination of Boateng, Rafinha, Medhi Benatia, Juan Bernat and Javi Martinez. The appearance this weekend in Bundesliga action was the first for Martinez since last August. Bernat and Boateng were among players rested this past weekend to prepare for Barcelona. Both of these teams have owned 62 percent of the possession to this stage in the competition. Both teams have completed over 6200 passes.
Playing at home first will favor Barcelona as they look for revenge from the 7-0 defeat at this stage in the Champions League two years ago. Unless Guardiola has a key to beating his old team, the first leg should go to the Spanish side at home after what should be some amazing choreography to start the game.
Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Bayern Munich
Douglas Smith is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DFresh39, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
Related:
Juventus vs Real Madrid First Leg Preview
