Barcelona vs Bayern Champions League Match Preview

Barcelona vs Bayern preview

Guardiola returns to Nou Camp for the first time after his successful spell at Barcelona where he won 14 titles in just 4 years as a manager. Guardiola’s teammate, Luis Enrique is the current Barcelona manager. Both managers had successful careers as players.

"We aren't going into this as a game against Pep," Enrique said. "He is the number one for what he has achieved and he's a friend, but this is such an important game for all Barca fans that it should be more important than any specific people. It's nice for the players, to meet Guardiola again, but they know that this game is more important than just that. Guardiola knows most of our players but I don't think that will be decisive. There are many other factors." He added.

Bayern are without injured Frank Ribery, Arjen Robben, Holger Badstuber and David Alaba. Bayern’s top striker Lewandowski who has netted 23 goal this campaign may feature in this fixture wearing a protective mask despite the injuries sustained to his cheekbone and nose in the semi final cup clash against Dortmund last week.

Barcelona are without Jeremy Mathieu who faces an issue with his Achilles tendon. Luis Enrique has no other injury issue and has the whole squad available for selection.

Bayern have made their 4^th successive champions league semi final appearance. Their fellow semi finalist Barcelona and Real Madrid are the only other club’s to have who have made more consecutive semi final appearances.

Barcelona have won eight successive games while scoring 2.5 goals per game at an average in the Champions league this season. The wounds of 7-0 thrashing over the two legs are still fresh and Barcelona have not managed to score a goal against Bayern in the last three games. Both teams enjoy possession play and have the best possession statistics in the Champions League this season.

Barcelona are eyeing the treble this season and have not conceded a goal in the last five games in all competitions. Bayern however, would not be able to do so this season after being knocked out in the semi final in the German cup to their rival Dortmund.