BARCELONA'S decline in recent years has been illustrated by their nemesis Bayern Munich more than any other club and they meet again on Tuesday in Germany.
However, this time there is a real sense that this Barca side are well on their way back to past glories.
It was probably written in the stars the two clubs would meet again after Robert Lewandowski's controversial summer protracted move to Catalonia from Bavaria.
After all, he helped dismantle his current club in a stunning 8-2 annihilation two years ago in neutral Lisbon and again in a pair of 3-0 home and away wins last season.
But Bayern have clearly been weakened by Lewandowski's departure and Barce considerably strengthened. And boss Xavi is in the process of assembling an exciting side again.
They have won every game so far this season apart from an opening day draw against Rayo Vallecano and romped to a 5-1 win last week against group whipping boys Viktoria Plzen.
Bayern eased to an impressive 2-0 win at Inter Milan last week, but they have stumbled surprisingly in the Bundesliga – dropping points to Borussia Monchengladbach, Union Berlin and Stuttgart already.
How the bookies view it
Bayern are odds-on across the board here and can be backed at a best-pried 5/6 with SBK.
The same firm has a Barca victory at 3/1, while bet365 go 7/2 for the draw.
Recent head to heads
As mentioned, Bayern have relished playing Barcelona recently. They won 3-0 in Germany and Spain in the group stages last season as well as that infamous quarter-final 8-2 scudding in Lisbon when games were played at neutral venues.
In fact, Barcelona have only won twice in 13 meetings between the sides.
Players to watch
Jamal Musiala is only 19, but has already scored six goals in just eight appearances for Bayern already this season including in the weekend draw with Stuttgart. He is 10/3 with bet365 to add to that.
All eyes will be on the return to the Allianz Arena for Robert Lewandowski. His numbers for Bayern were astonishing – a barely believable 238 goals in 238 league starts. How's that for consistency! He's scored nine goals in his last five games for Barca and is 11/8 to score anyime with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
If Barcelona can ignore the recent mental torture inflicted on them recently by Bayern, they stand a great chance against the German champions who still look to be grieving Lewandowski.
Barca also have the likes of Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele to assist the Pole and the 13/10 for them to score two or more with William Hill in Germany has to be snapped up.
As tempting as it to back them outright, Bayern have still managed to score five goals twice, six and seven in matches this season and that surely must lead to goals here. Take a chance on over 4.5 goals at 47/20 with UniBet.
And back Lewandowski to score. He nearly always does.
This UEFA Champions League match between Bayern Munich and Barcelona will be played on Sep 13, 2022 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Bayern Munich vs Barcelona prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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