Barcelona

Barcelona take their blistering La Liga form to the Allianz Arena where white-hot striker Robert Lewandowski matches up against his former club Bayern ...

If Nagelsmann prefers Upamecano over either De Ligt or Hernandez, who have been much better in the air, then Lewandowski could find space in front of Neuer's net. Lewandowski already has two goals inside the six-yard box in La Liga play this season, and one of his three against Viktoria Plzen was also off a header on the doorstep. Chances inside the six-yard box are rare, especially so against top European clubs, hence the long odds on this occurrence. However, when Mane is provided service, which has mostly come from Thomas Muller and Jamal Musiala, he's found the back of the net. Incredibly, the Barcelona moneyline odds reached +310 just a few days before this Champions League match, and while the line has drop somewhat, it's still a very attractive number. That was never more evident than in the Bayern draw with Stuttgart where Upamecano didn't step to a shot which rattled the crossbar late on before De Ligt's poor tackle in the 18-yard box conceded the late penalty that saw Bayern succumb to a draw. Recently, Bayern have had the better results. With so many good chances to feast upon, Lewandowski has profited. New Barcelona arrivals Raphinha and Lewandowski have been spectacular, and the Brazilian winger has been especially stellar, producing a La Liga-high 1.85 xA (expected assists) on just 10 key passes. Meanwhile, Bayern are struggling in domestic competition, with three straight draws leading to questions being asked of head coach Julian Nagelsmann. While Barcelona have scored 15 league goals and conceded just a single one, Bayern are sitting in third place in the Bundesliga on 12 points from a possible 18. With these two sides boasting formidable attacking talent, Champions League fans could be in for an entertaining 90 minutes at the Allianz Arena.

Two of Europe's elite teams battle today as Bayern Munich faces FC Barcelona. See the prediction, odds and betting pick today.

AZ, CT, IA, IL, LA, MI, NJ, NY, PA, TN, WV, WY only. AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, LA, MI, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY only. Shutting down Bayern Munich is a lot different from doing it against mid-table sides in Spain, but this Barca team should be able to cope just fine. Bayern isn’t far behind with a +1.79 xGD/90, but it does show that the gap between these sides has begun to shrink. New customers only. The Bavarians are -115 favorites over the Catalan giants, who travel to the Allianz Stadium as +240 underdogs.

When the Champions League draw took place last month, soccer fans around the world, especially the neutrals, were hoping and praying for some incredible ...

But if he doesn't get the ball, it will be difficult for him to score." If Barcelona are to pull off any upset on the road, it does feel like Lewandowski will have to find the net. It's going to be a tall task for either side. He didn't score in the season opener against Rayo Vallecano, but has found the back of the net in the five games since. I'd be happy if our fans welcomed him well," Nagelsmann said ahead of the match. "It'll be a special game for him, and he'll be motivated. "If I see him [Tuesday], I will shake his hand. [Tuesday] we will try to show our personality and compete against one of the best teams in the world." After all, Lewandowski under Nagelsmann scored 50 goals in 46 matches for Bayern last season. Two giants of the sport, each among the five most successful teams in the history of the competition, square off on Tuesday in Munich on [Paramount+](https://www.paramountplus.com/?cbscidmt=sports&ftag=PPM-03-10aie0i#link=%7B%22role%22:%22standard%22,%22href%22:%22https://www.paramountplus.com/?cbscidmt=sports&ftag=PPM-03-10aie0i%22,%22affiliate%22:%22%22,%22target%22:%22_blank%22,%22absolute%22:%22%22,%22linkText%22:%22CBS%20and%20Paramount+%22%7D). Lewandowski, 34, has the third-most UCL hat tricks in history behind only two guys you may have heard of: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. They were awarded with plenty, but none in the group stage bigger than

A huge Champions League night at the Allianz Arena as Bayern Munich face FC Barcelona in Matchday 2 of Group C.

Bayern lie in third place with the Bavarians on 12 points from three wins and three draws. Barça have played Bayern a total of 13 times in official European competition and have only won two of those encounters, with two draws. Goals from Sane, Muller and Musiala were enough to see the Bundesliga giants to secure three points and a 100% group stage record. Many Barcelona fans concerned about the inclusion of Marcos Alonso in the starting XI for the game in Munich. Barcelona have shipped 14 goals in their past three UCL meetings with Bayern and will feature a back four of Alonso (who makes his FCB debut), Kounde, Araujo and Christensen. All over in Plzen and Inter get off the mark with a 0-2 win... ‘I’ve seen both sides of the coin, beating them heavily and losing heavily against them, but we have never won at the Allianz and this speaks of how difficult a place it is to go and the task at hand, but we’re optimistic. Despite leaving the German club with a hint of bad blood with the board, it's clear that the Polish striker s fondly regarded by the players and Bayern fans. Just minutes away now from kick-off and a massive European night awaits as two of the continents biggest sides do battle. Bayern in all red, Barcelona in their third kit of grey with a azul-grana cross. Alonso with Barcelona's first corner of the night... So close from Raphina as the Brazilian strikes and is agonizingly close....

One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Julian Nagelsmann chooses to field Bayern Munich in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Sadio Mane up top, and Thomas Muller, ...

Even if you’re lagging behind the others, keep replying to the most recent call of the player’s name. Now it’s a matter of putting it all together, to show that Bayern deserve the title of contenders. It’s not necessary to have the whole comments loaded at one time while you’re just casually following along. The team has failed to win three Bundesliga games in a row, and now face the prospect of hosting an in-form [FC Barcelona](https://www.barcablaugranes.com) side at the Allianz Arena. It puts the newest comments at the top. [podcast](https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2022/9/12/23347412/bayern-munich-podcast-s5e10-fc-barcelona-champions-league-nagesmann-xavi-robert-lewandowski-muller)? He has a star studded lineup at his disposal — the likes of Thomas Muller, Joshua Kimmich, Sadio Mane, Alphonso Davies, and the rest have all seen success against the other FCB in the past. Listen to it below or at [this link](https://open.spotify.com/episode/54UtBzeGNBlj2NLRQafdmu). [Champions League](https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league) fixture, previous meetings between these two sides have been hilariously one-sided affairs. The team will be need to be on top its game to beat Barcelona tonight. Honestly it’s a miracle that it’s not been a massacre. Otherwise, the XI is as we expected.

An in-form Barcelona side travels to Germany for a marquee Champions League meeting with Bayern Munich in Group C, otherwise considered this year's Group of ...

In the rest of defense, it's Jules Kounde on the right plus a center-back pairing of Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen, with Gerard Pique, Eric Garcia, and Jordi Alba all available as substitutes. Benjamin Pavard and Marcel Sabitzer are also back in the lineup as well, while young Jamal Musiala is part of the attack in place of Serge Gnabry. The young midfielder rips a left-footed shot, but the Bayern veteran produces a better save, flicking his leg out against his body's momentum to keep the shot out. The former Bayern man roasts the home defense with brilliant skill to get free, but he pokes a ninja-kick shot over the bar. In the aftermath, Raphinha goes down under a heavy challenge from Davies at the very edge of the penalty area, but it's waved away. 40th min: Bayern wastes a chance as two attackers crash into each other in the penalty area. He's through on goal with only Neuer to beat thanks to a great thread by Lewandowski, and he dinks his effort off the outside of the left post, out for a goal kick. Stunning work by Raphinha to tee up the star striker, but he blows it by taking a touch rather than hitting it first-time, which everyone in the stadium expected him to do. He offers a hand to help Musiala up, and it's snubbed, without even as much as eye contact from the German youngster. This second half has shown a different Bayern team than we've seen the last few weeks: pumped full of adrenaline and ready to slay a giant. Barcelona came into this match in much better form than Bayern, and it felt like Xavi's men were the favorites even on the road to a team that's given them fits over the years. Then halftime came and went, and a different Bayern team emerged from the tunnel, unrecognizable from the one that departed the Allianz Arena field at the break.

Robert Lewandowski returns to his old club as Bayern Munich host Barcelona in the Champions League.

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A ruthless 10-minute spell immediately after half-time helped Bayern Munich beat Barcelona at the Allianz Arena, with goals from Lucas Hernandez and Leroy ...

Positionally both hugged the touchline, which gave them plenty of space to receive a forward pass and then run directly, inside, towards goal. They certainly did this evening and, combined, all that forcefulness was the catalyst for a different kind of Bayern performance. Pedri completed 32 of 34 passes first half but then two quickfire Bayern goals turned the game completely. Stafford-Bloor: It’s too simplistic to say that the game changed when Leon Goretzka was introduced, but Bayern do always feel like a different side when he’s alongside Joshua Kimmich. That intensity was never likely to last 90 minutes, but Goretzka’s default setting is proactive – he goes forward, he shoots, he advances the ball. But that can be a weakness, too, because without the definition of Lewandowski – a reference point around which to orbit – Bayern’s attacking system depends entirely on chemistry, timing and understandings which haven’t quite formed. At times, Busquets would break shape and press the defensive line too. That was a conclusion from the weekend draw with Stuttgart and again against Barcelona this evening. It was risky, with Gavi pushing up alongside Lewandowski to create a front four with wingers Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele. Barcelona dominated the first half but Robert Lewandowski failed to make Bayern pay on his return to Munich. A couple of first-half chances should have been put away and another was well saved by Neuer, but his most interesting moments came in supply. That lack of recent competitive action seemed clear when Bayern opened the scoring.

Robert Lewandowski's return to Allianz Arena didn't go as planned as Barcelona endured more misery against familiar foe Bayern Munich.

A trip to [Mallorca](/soccer/team?id=84) on Sept. [FC Augsburg](/soccer/team/_/id/3841/fc-augsburg) on Saturday. [Elche](/soccer/team?id=3751) at Camp Nou on Saturday. [Benfica](/soccer/team?id=1929) were able to beat Barca to second spot in the group last season, but Inter are a stronger team. Then the international break followed by a return to league action against [Bayer Leverkusen](/soccer/team?id=131) on Sept. Xavi Hernandez's team are still clearly rebuilding after the departure of [Lionel Messi](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/45843/Lionel-Messi) to PSG last year and they looked a level below Bayern who once again inflicted a humbling defeat on the five-time Champions League winners. [Viktoria Plzen](/soccer/team?id=11706), so now it will all come down to who does best when they meet in back-to-back matchdays on Oct. [Viktoria Plzen](/soccer/team?id=11706) are in last place. And the win means Bayern have now won by a margin of 19 goals to Barcelona's four during their five-game streak, including the infamous 8-2 quarterfinal victory in Lisbon in 2020. [Best/worst performers](#bestworst) Bayern Munich extended their dominance over Barcelona with a 2-0 Champions League Group C victory in the Allianz Arena, recording their fifth straight win against the LaLiga giants. [Highlights and notable moments](#highlights)

FC Bayern and Barcelona met once again under the lights of the Allianz Arena for the second match of the 2022-23 UCL Group Stages.

That being said, all eyes will be on Hernández’s injury situation as he pulled up short in the closing seconds and finished the game on the sidelines with the physios. He was nothing short of a demon in the backfield. His goal through the center of Barcelona’s defense was eerily reminiscent of Arjen Robben’s Marcel Sabitzer played a great first half before being replaced by Leon Goretzka, but Leon was the cog that earned the corner for Bayern’s first goal and his build up play for Bayern’s second cannot go unmentioned. If it was not for the herculean efforts of Manuel Neuer, Lucas Hernández, and Dayot Upamecano, Lewandowski could've had numerous goals. Among them was a gorgeous volley that could’ve been a goal of the year candidate if he had put it on frame.

Football is such a funny game. You can dominate 90% of a match but lose everything in just four minutes. That's what happened to Barca today. It's gotta sting ...

Dayot Upamecano took a knock to the knee and limped out of the stadium. Now, Barca just went toe-to-toe with this team in front of a full crowd at the Allianz Arena. The passing is not up to snuff. The performance in the first half was poor. His arrival turned leveled the playing field in what had been a mostly one-sided affair in the center of the pitch. His manhandling of Robert Lewandowski late in the second half sums up his game. This game was a boxing match and Bayern were on the receiving end. for that single inroad that would let the floodgates open. He terrorized that Barca right flank and was an essential outlet for the team in the first half, when every other avenue seemed closed. In the first half, they had [Bayern Munich](https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com) by the throat. [FC Barcelona](https://www.barcablaugranes.com) came to the Allianz Arena and stamped their authority on the game. Remember all those times Bayern played Zidane’s Real off the pitch, but ended up on the wrong end of the score?

Barcelona manager Xavi thought the they played way better than what the score suggests in their Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.

Bayern Munich’s second-half goals came in succession from Lucas Hernandez and Leroy Sane, and those goals were enough to power them to victory. The Spanish side lost their first game of the season in all competitions after falling 2-0 to the German champions on Tuesday. Barcelona actually had four good chances to score in the opening period, with a Pedri shot saved by Manuel Neuer and a couple of Robert Lewandowski attacks falling short–a volley that sailed high and above the post, as well as a header that hit Neuer.

An in-form Barcelona side travels to Germany for a marquee Champions League meeting with Bayern Munich in Group C, otherwise considered this year's Group of ...

In the rest of defense, it's Jules Kounde on the right plus a center-back pairing of Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen, with Gerard Pique, Eric Garcia, and Jordi Alba all available as substitutes. Benjamin Pavard and Marcel Sabitzer are also back in the lineup as well, while young Jamal Musiala is part of the attack in place of Serge Gnabry. The young midfielder rips a left-footed shot, but the Bayern veteran produces a better save, flicking his leg out against his body's momentum to keep the shot out. The former Bayern man roasts the home defense with brilliant skill to get free, but he pokes a ninja-kick shot over the bar. In the aftermath, Raphinha goes down under a heavy challenge from Davies at the very edge of the penalty area, but it's waved away. 40th min: Bayern wastes a chance as two attackers crash into each other in the penalty area. He's through on goal with only Neuer to beat thanks to a great thread by Lewandowski, and he dinks his effort off the outside of the left post, out for a goal kick. Stunning work by Raphinha to tee up the star striker, but he blows it by taking a touch rather than hitting it first-time, which everyone in the stadium expected him to do. He offers a hand to help Musiala up, and it's snubbed, without even as much as eye contact from the German youngster. This second half has shown a different Bayern team than we've seen the last few weeks: pumped full of adrenaline and ready to slay a giant. Barcelona came into this match in much better form than Bayern, and it felt like Xavi's men were the favorites even on the road to a team that's given them fits over the years. Then halftime came and went, and a different Bayern team emerged from the tunnel, unrecognizable from the one that departed the Allianz Arena field at the break.

Unfortunately for Xavi and his team, they're going to have to settle for it once again as they lost 2-0 in the Champions League to Bayern Munich. The match ...

All Barcelona can do now is correct on those facets of the game that let them down. On another night, Lewandowski converts on those chances and the outcome is completely different. For the first 45 minutes, they took it to Bayern with Robert Lewandowski having a couple of opportunities to score against his former side. Disappointment at how better Bayern were and how far Barcelona have fallen. It was a golden opportunity to win at this stadium, and we leave with a defeat. “The process was good, but the result was bad.

SportsBrief.com News ☆ Leroy Sane threw a water bottle in rage after being subbed off against Barcelona - despite scoring in the UEFA Champions League ...

[Barcelona](https://sportsbrief.com/football/barcelona/) for a fee around he region of £43.6m in the summer. The goal was nice, but I wasn't entirely happy with my performance today" [Manchester City](https://sportsbrief.com/football/manchester-city/) forward.

Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez criticised his team's inability to convert their opportunities on Tuesday after losing 2-0 at Bayern Munich in a ...

So the way to play was very good, positive for this part, but negative for the result." We dominated them, we subdued them. I do not like to lose. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com "Last year I was angry because they were far superior to us. "I am angry.

On Tuesday evening in Munich, Barcelona were amply reminded of the age-old soccer maxim that you pay the price if you don't take your chances.

That failing reared its ugly head when they conceded from a corner, and again when they quickly let in a second, Leroy Sané cutting through the heart of a flimsy, out-of-position backline. It was one of those where the player moves towards the ball to prevent it from reaching an unmarked attacker, but the latest nonsense is that handballs aren’t given close to the deck, so Leverkusen got away with it. It’s a shame, as it was a keenly anticipated game seen as an opportunity to gauge the true level of this new Barça side, and the result feels misleading.

FC Barcelona failed to make history on Tuesday night by losing to Bayern Munich 2-0 in the Champions League, therefore showing they are still some way off ...

Xavi is right in that Barca must focuses on the positives. "It's a step back. But in a thrilling end-to-end battle of continental heavyweights, Barca failed to put their opponent away when they had them on the ropes.

Leroy Sané wasn't the happiest camper after his 80th minute substitution in Bayern Munich's 2-0 win over FC Barcelona on matchday two of the Champions ...

Today that meant Sadio Mané and Leroy Sané on the left and right wings, respectively, with Thomas Müller and Jamal Musiala playing through the middle. It was a marvelous piece of work, and almost a trademark finish now for Sané in one-on-one situations against the keeper. Still, Sané has set the bar incredibly high for himself, and is a constant striver for improvement. The winger was seen smashing a bottle in frustration, and after the game, clarified his feelings in a more light-hearted moment with reporters: Sané’s 54th-minute goal doubled Bayern’s advantage and swung the tide and sense of belief at the Allianz Arena firmly in the home side’s favor for the remainder of the game. The goal was nice, but I wasn't entirely happy with my performance today" [— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia)

For eight seasons, Bayern Munich fans had become accustomed to watching Robert Lewandowski find the back of the net on almost a weekly basis.

"In the first half, Barcelona had the better chances than us," Nagelsmann said. "But I'm also feeling proud of the team," he added. "Our first half display merited much more than 0-0 at halftime, but of course, if you fail to put chances away against a big rival like Bayern, you'll end up paying."

Julian Nagelsmann's Bundesliga champions rode their luck at the Allianz Arena in the first half but improved after the break to dispatch a spirited, but ...

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The event for Gavi's new contract extension will take place on Thursday 15 September at 6pm CEST at Spotify Camp Nou.

As a midfielder he is well versed in Barça's style of play having come through the youth system at La Masia. The coach's faith was repaid as in August of 2021 Gavi made his official first team debut against Getafe in La Liga aged just 17 years and 24 days, the fourth youngest in Barça history. Pablo Páez Gavira was born in the town of Los Palacios y Villafranca near Seville on 5 August, 2004.

The official announcement is finally here. Barcelona midfield sensation Gavi has signed a new contract with the club, extending his stay at Spotify Camp Nou ...

Gavi has been with Barcelona since 2015 and made his first-team debut at the age of just 17 years and 24 days, the fourth youngest in Barça history. However, the teenage prodigy always wanted to stay put at Barcelona. Gavi’s previous contract was about to expire at the end of the ongoing campaign.

The Barcelona teenage star becomes the latest youngster to commit his long-term future to the club after signing a new four-year deal with a release clause ...

After just two appearances from Barcelona's B team, he made his first-team debut for the club in the 2-1 win over Getafe in August 2021, aged 17 years and 24 days. The club have put in a €1billion release clause for the 18-year-old who has ten caps for Spain - Spanish club insert €1billion release clause in contract for the 18-year-old star

Pep Guardiola is a man of absolute respect, and that much was easy to see during the contract talks between Barcelona and Gavi over a new deal.

](https://www.si.com/soccer/manchestercity/match-coverage/manchester-city-vs-borussia-dortmund-where-to-watch-uk-usa-) [Data Reveals Erling Haaland Is The Best Goalscorer In Champions League History](https://www.si.com/soccer/manchestercity/features-opinions/data-reveals-erling-haaland-is-the-best-goalscorer-in-champions-league-history) [Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund: Where To Watch . The news was confirmed by [Barcelona](https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona) soon after, with the La Masia graduate signing a deal until 2026.

Gavi has added four more years to his contract with Barça, prolonging his stay at Spotify Camp Nou until 2026. His renewal is another step in the right ...

Like Araujo, he too has signed a four-year contract that will keep him at the club until 2026. And, it is why the Catalans extended his contract as a priority in April earlier this year. Pedri was the first of the aforementioned four young players to be given a new contract.

Lucas Hernandez headed home a Joshua Kimmich corner kick in the 50th minute, and Leroy Sane scored a stellar second for the hosts four minutes later as the ...

Lewandowski's presence at Barcelona is helping push the team back to their former glory, but it's a player who was on his way out in Dembele that is my pick for most likely to score. As Lewandowski isn't selfish with the ball at his feet, extra focus on him during the match will allow Dembele to slip by for a goal. Lewandowski was wide open in the box and fires a ball over the goal! A goal and an assist will be enough to give him Man of the Match honors. Lewandowski had seven shots in the game, the most he's had in a match for Barca. But if he doesn't get the ball, it will be difficult for him to score." Fantastic pressure from Lewandowski to recover the ball, as Kounde finds Pedri, and he finds Gavi. Bayern have the first good chance of the second half with a rocket from Goretzka that Ter Stegen pushes wide! That's two goals in four minutes for the hosts! Bayern were far from sharp in this one, lacking a key pass several times in the first half, but their sharpness improved in the second half, capitalizing on woeful Barca defending. On the second goal, defenders Jules Kounde and Araujo had what seemed like 20 yards between them, allowing a gaping hole for Sane to pass through before finishing. Bayern scored two goals early in the second half to defeat a wasteful Barca side, 2-0, at the Allianz Arena, ruining Robert Lewandowski's return.