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Barcelona welcomes Bayern Munich to Catalonia for the marquee fixture of Matchday 3 in the 2024/25 Champions League phase on Wednesday night. While excitement surrounds the new-look Barca under former Bayern coach Hansi Flick, memories of past encounters with the German giants still haunt the Blaugrana. Bayern has dominated this rivalry, winning the last six meetings, including an unforgettable 8-2 humiliation at Camp Nou in 2020. The Bavarians have also claimed the last four matches without conceding a single goal, with an 11-0 aggregate score. However, Barcelona, revitalized under Flick’s leadership, looks set to finally challenge their formidable opponents.
Match Details: Barcelona vs Bayern Munich
- Location: Barcelona, Spain
- Stadium: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys
- Date: Wednesday, 23 October
- Kick-off Time: 00:45 NST | 15:00 ET | 12:00 PT
- Referee: Slavko Vincic (SVN)
- VAR: Tomasz Kwiatkowski (POL)
Both teams head into this clash on the back of impressive domestic wins, each winning by four-goal margins over the weekend and leading their respective leagues. Barcelona, after a stunning victory against Young Boys in Matchday 2, is back in form, while Bayern will look to bounce back from their loss at Aston Villa.
Barcelona vs Bayern Munich: Head-to-Head (Last Five Games)
- Barcelona Wins: 0
- Bayern Munich Wins: 5
- Draws: 0
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona has received a boost with Gavi’s return from a long-term knee injury, though it's unlikely the young midfielder will be rushed into action for such a crucial fixture. Similarly, Frenkie de Jong and Dani Olmo are expected to remain on the bench. However, there’s optimism around the talented Fermin Lopez, who impressed as a substitute against Sevilla and could start on Wednesday.
With Marc-Andre ter Stegen sidelined, Inaki Pena will continue in goal over veteran Wojciech Szczesny. In defense, Pau Cubarsi will partner with Inigo Martinez at center-back, as injuries keep Ronaldo Araujo, Eric Garcia, and Andreas Christensen out of action. Meanwhile, Marc Bernal is a long-term absentee, having suffered an ACL tear at the start of the season, and Ferran Torres remains unavailable with a hamstring injury.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Pena
- Defenders: Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde
- Midfielders: Casado, Pedri
- Attacking Midfielders: Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha
- Forward: Lewandowski
Bayern Munich Team News
Bayern Munich will be without emerging talent Aleksandar Pavlovic, who fractured his collarbone in the weekend victory over Stuttgart and faces an extended period on the sidelines. Joao Palhinha is expected to partner Joshua Kimmich in midfield, providing a solid base for Bayern’s attack.
Other notable absentees include Sacha Boey, Josip Stanicic, and Hiroki Ito, while Jamal Musiala is expected to return to the matchday squad but may not be fit enough to start. This could pave the way for the evergreen Thomas Muller to step into the lineup, offering his experience and leadership in this crucial Champions League battle.
Bayern Munich Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Neuer
- Defenders: Guerreiro, Upamecano, Kim, Davies
- Midfielders: Kimmich, Palhinha
- Attacking Midfielders: Olise, Muller, Gnabry
- Forward: Kane