This clash between two European heavyweights with rich and storied histories has the potential to be an absolute classic. The clubs have won the tournament 11 times between them. Yet both Barcelona and Bayern Munich have won one and lost one in the Champions League so far this season. In the league, however, Barcelona are top of the league after 10 games despite the fact that they are having to play their matches away from Camp Nou.
Bayern Munich are also top of their domestic league although they were on the receiving end of a shock defeat to Aston Villa in this competition after that stunning 9-2 demolition of Dinamo Zagreb in their Champions League opener. In their own opening game in the tournament, Barcelona lost at Monaco following Eric Garcia’s early red card before bouncing back with a 5-0 win over Young Boys that, appropriately enough, looked like men against boys.
Barcelona are not only playing at their home away from home but will also be without a number of key figures. The sidelined players include Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal and Ferran Torres while Dani Olmo may still not be fit enough to start. The visitors will have to do without Aleksandar Pavlovic due to a broken collarbone although, on the plus side, Jamal Musiala may be fit enough to return to the side. Sacha Boey, Josip Stanisic and Hiroki Ito are, however, still not fit enough to take part.
This promises to be an intriguing one with both teams really needing to win. Many observers have struggled to become invested in the new look Champions League but at least it has thrown together two of the great European clubs as early as October and a win for either would be a major statement that goes beyond simply aiding the possibility of progressing further. This is without mentioning the fact that Hansi Flick led Bayern to the treble just a few years ago and is now in charge of Barcelona.
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Barcelona vs Bayern Munich odds
Odds from BetFair updated as of 8 p.m. BST Tuesday.
- Barcelona win: 11/8
- Draw: 29/10
- Bayern Munich win: 17/10
Venue: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys — Barcelona
Time: 8 p.m. BST (3 p.m. ET), Wednesday
Streaming: Fubo (US only, try for free)
Form guide (all competitions)
Barcelona: W-W-W-L-W
Bayern Munich: W-D-L-D-W
Match prediction
Barcelona 2-2 Bayern Munich
There is little to separate the sides. Both have been phenomenally successful in the modern era and sit at the top of their respective domestic leagues. They both have three points after two Champions League games and will be eager to win this one for reasons that go beyond just the points. The art of a good compromise is that it leaves nobody entirely happy so let’s land on a 2-2 draw.
(Photo of Robert Lewandowski: David Ramos / Getty Images)
