JAKARTA Barcelona will face their first major test of the season as they travel to the Allianz Arena to face Bayern Munich on matchday in the second round of the 2022/2023 European Champions League group stage.
The Catalan team recorded a convincing 5-1 win over Viktoria Plzen on the first matchday. Bayern Munich also won 2-0 against Inter Milan.
Last season, Barcelona failed to get through the group stage so it's no surprise they will have great motivation this season. Xavi Hernandez's team is in good momentum with a collection of four consecutive wins before Wednesday's match, September 14 in the morning.
Thus, they will use the best possible opportunity to avenge the two defeats to Bayern last season. Here are five reasons Barcelona will win over Bayern:
1). Xavi Hernandez's record in a big game
Xavi Hernandez has had a well-tested record in big fights since taking over Barcelona.
Under his tutelage in the second half of the 2021/2022 season, the Blaugrana managed to beat Real Madrid 4-0, Atletico Madrid 4-2, Napoli 5-3 (agregate) and Sevilla 1-0.
Then this season Xavi also succeeded in bringing Barcelona to beat Sevilla 3-0 and managed to hold Manchester City to a 3-3 draw in a friendly match.
2). Barcelona has many options on the bench that can make a difference
Bayern Munich is definitely without Kingsley Coman for the match against Barcelona due to injury.
Meanwhile, the Blaugrana team has full strength and has one of the strongest squads across Europe. They have an incredible team depth and a lot of quality players on the bench.
Robert Lewandowski, Ousmane Dembele, and Raphinha, are expected to lead the attacks in the Xavi squad. Meanwhile, on the bench they have players such as Ansu Fati, Memphis Depay, and Ferran Torres.
3). Bayern Munich are not in good form
Bayern Munich started the 2022/2023 season a bit slow. After six weeks of Bundesliga's game, Julian Nagelsmann's team sat third in the table with 12 points.
They have only won three games and have got three draws so far.
4). Barcelona started the season well
Barca have won their five games across the competition since being held to a goalless draw by Rayo Vallecano in their opening La Liga game this season.
They also recorded all the victories brilliantly. They beat Real Sociedad 4-1, Valladolid 4-0, Sevilla 3-0, Viktoria Plzen 5-1, and Cadiz 4-0.
5). Factor Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski is a good signing for Barcelona this season. His presence in attack can make a difference in this match.
Last season, the Polish striker scored twice to help Bayern beat Barcelona 3-0 in their first win in the Champions League group round at Camp Nou.
However, now he is in Barcelona uniform so that it will be a threat to his former team.
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