The only two previous winners of the competition left will take on each other in a mouthwatering Champions League fixture.
Without any disrespect to the Atletico Madrid vs RB Leipzig tie, the clash between FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich is the more interesting Champions League semi-final fixture, perhaps even the most interesting one so far in the competition this season.
Barcelona beat Napoli with an aggregate score of 4-2 to reach this far while Bayern overcame Chelsea, cruising past them with a 7-1 aggregate scoreline.
Form:
Barcelona: The Catalans endured a disheartening 2019/20 LaLiga season, losing out the title to bitter rivals Real Madrid. They have also been unconvincing in their last few matches, with nervous wins and even a few losses.
However, they have a freak of nature that is Lionel Messi on their side. Messi, as always, has been in superhuman form, having put up a majestic statistic of 31 goals and 26 assists across 43 matches so far.
He produced a magical performance in the Round of 16 second leg, and could very well yet again be the difference between the two sides on Thursday.
Bayern: The Bavarians’ story is in complete contrast with their upcoming opponents. They endured a rocky start to the season, but a change in management saw them return to their sparkling best. Having already landed the Bundesliga title, DFB Pokal trophy, they are aiming for a treble.
If Barca have Messi, Bayern have Robert Lewandowski. An extraordinary form has seen the Polish striker find the back of the net 53 times in just 44 matches.
Lewandowski was directly involved in all seven of his side’s goals over both legs against Chelsea. It will not at all be a surprise if he steals the Man of the Match award from Messi on Thursday night.
Team News:
Barcelona: A knee injury will keep Samuel Umtiti from traveling along with the squad to Estadio da Luz. Other than that, Barca only have good news. Ousmane Dembele returned to training after a prolonged period on the sidelines. Sergio Busquets and Arturo Vidal, both of whom were serving a suspension in the last match, are also now available.
Bayern: Jerome Boateng suffered a serious-looking injury against Chelsea, did he returned to training. Alphonso Davies, who missed Wednesday’s training session with tight adductors, will also likely be available. Benjamin Pavard remains a doubt due to an ankle issue.
Head to Head:
Barcelona have lost more Champions Leg matches to Bayern than any other team. In eight meeting between them, the German side have emerged victorious five times whereas the Spanish side have won only twice.
Betting Tips:
[All odds as reported by the Telegraph.]
Bayern are favorites among bookmakers to overcome Barca in normal time at 19/20 odds. Odds for the tie to go in Barca’s favor are 12/5. A draw until 90 minutes is priced at 3/1. Odds for Bayern to win, with both teams scoring, are 23/10.
Lewandowski has scored 13 goals in the competition, averaging a goal every 47 minutes. Odds for him to score first are 16/5.
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