Initial reactions and observations
- Can we admit it now? Bayern Munich should have hired Hansi Flick. The man is an excellent coach and the sextuple was no fluke. Meanwhile, the less said about Kompany right now, the better.
- The fact that Matthijs de Ligt was sold just so Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae can be the undisputed starters in a pairing that averages a game-changing blunder every 30 minutes.
- Xabi Alonso will be kicking himself — Barca have shown that you can play offensive football against this Bayern Munich team and completely obliterate them. At this point, Kompany needs to be thanking his lucky stars he didn’t get found out sooner.
- Michael Olise has been a shadow since the international break. Where has his form gone?
- There’s so much to say about this game, it will be analyzed for ages to come. A win over Bochum won’t erase this disappointment. Bayern Munich are in serious trouble.
Full time: FC Barcelona 4-1 Bayern Munich.
56’ — Goal. Raphinha gets his hat trick.
45’ — The second half is underway!
Halftime: Bayern Munich are losing 3-1 to FC Barcelona.
45’ — Goal. Raphinha makes it 3-1 right before halftime.
37’ — Goal. Lewandowski makes it 2-1.
17’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Harry Kane makes it 1-1!
10’ — Harry Kane scores, but it’s ruled offside by VAR.
1’ — Goal. Raphinha makes it 1-0 instantly.
Kickoff: We’re underway in Barcelona!
One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Looks like Jamal Musiala wasn’t fit to start, so Thomas Müller gets the nod for Bayern Munich. The rest of the starting XI is exactly as expected, with Palhinha (for Pavlović) being the only change from the lineup that started against VfB Stuttgart.
Lately, when Bayern Munich have faced FC Barcelona in the Champions League, it seems like there’s always been a reunion of some sort. Last time, it was Robert Lewandowski returning to the Allianz Arena the same season as his summer move to the Catalan capital. This time, it’s Hansi Flick’s turn, with his team hosting the club where he won the sextuple.
Bayern Munich have a lot going for it in this matchup. Vincent Kompany has fewer injuries and a relatively more experienced squad at his disposal. If Jamal Musiala returns to the lineup, then alongside Harry Kane and Michael Olise, Bayern Munich are able to field the second highest-scoring trio in Europe at the moment. The thing is, the top scoring trio of the moment — Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal — will be on the opposing side.
Both teams are at the top of their respective leagues. Both teams won by a four goal margin on the weekend. Bayern Munich had an extra day of rest, while Barca have the advantage of playing at home. Both coaches have a lot to prove. It should be one hell of a game.
It’s Bayern time.
While you’re waiting for kickoff, why not check out our podcast? We talk about how the two teams stack up, whether Lamine Yamal is actually better than Jamal Musiala, how Harry Kane differs from Robert Lewandowski, and more! Listen to it below or on Spotify.
Match Info
Location: Estadi de Montjuïc, Barcelona, Spain
Time: 9:00 pm local time, 3:00 pm EST
TV/streaming: Paramount+, Find Your Country
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