Barcelona vs Bayern Munich – UEFA Champions League – Preview, Team News and Updates

The most anticipated showdown of this season's Champions League "league phase" has finally arrived—the much-awaited grudge match between Barcelona and Bayern Munich. These two European giants have a history of delivering some of the most intense, dramatic, and breathtaking encounters in football, and tonight promises to be no different. Fans are in for a treat as these clubs clash once again on the grandest stage.

Both Barcelona and Bayern Munich have started the 2024/25 season in promising fashion under new managers. After three years with Xavi, Barcelona hierarchy decided to select Hansi Flick as the next Blaugrana manager. It would be an understatement to suggest that the German head coach was walking into a baptism of fire. But so far, Flick has navigated the challenges at Barcelona with utmost conviction. He has transformed Barcelona’s fortunes in just a couple of months, and tonight’s clash against Munich will be a test of how far Les Culers have progressed under Flick. 

Bayern Munich too have a new man at the helm – Vincent Kompany. The hiring of Kompany raised many eyebrows, as he had just been relegated with Burnley. However, the Bayern hierarchy stuck with their choice, and so far, the signs are looking promising. Having said that, the clash against Barcelona will be Kompany’s biggest test by far at Munich. So, how will the two new managers fare against each other? 

Barcelona vs Bayern Munich – Match Preview 

Hansi Flick’s exceptional start to life in Catalonia continued at the weekend, as Barcelona thrashed Sevilla by a scoreline of 5-1. This win took their total points tally to 27 for the season in 10 games. The only blemish in their near perfect record came against an away trip to Osasuna. The Blaugrana lost that match by a scoreline of 4-2 after being reduced to 10-men. On the continental front, Barca have been just as dominant. Following their loss to AS Monaco in UCL opener, Hansi Flick’s men humiliated Young Boys in their next UCL tie by scoring five past them.  

So far, Flick has managed to secure victories in 17 of his 20 matches in-charge, which is the highest winning percentage of any Barcelona manager. However, the Blaugrana have a horrendous record against Bayern Munich. Barcelona have won just two of their 15 clashes with the Bavarian giants. In fact, the last six encounters between the two giants have all gone Bayern’s way, including the famous 8-2 humiliation in 2020. Moreover, Bayern have won their last four matches against Barca by an aggregate margin of 11-0. Their record against Bayern speaks for itself. However, Hansi Flick – the man in-charge of Bayern during the 8-2 rout – would look to turn things around. 

Having said that, Bayern Munich will be eager to secure a victory after their disappointing 1-0 loss to Aston Villa in Gameweek 2. That result ended Bayern’s outrageous 41-game unbeaten streak in the group stage/ league phase of the Champions League. But before that disappointing night, Vincent Kompany’s men registered one of the most incredible scoreline in their UCL opener against Dinamo Zagreb. The Bavarian completely outclassed the Croatian champions at Allianz Arena and won the game by a scoreline of 9-2. But since then, Bayern’s form has taken a significant dip, drawing games against Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt. However, a dominant 4-0 victory over Stuttgart may be just the confidence boost they needed. Now, with the form books favoring them, Bayern will head to Camp Nou confident of claiming another convincing win over their Catalan rivals. 

Barcelona vs Bayern Munich – Team News and Updates 

Bayern Munich will be missing Aleksandar Pavlovic after the defender suffered a broken collarbone just minutes into their last match. With Pavlovic sidelined, Joao Palhinha is likely to step into the lineup. Raphael Guerreiro has been filling in at right-back recently, but there's a chance Konrad Laimer could slot in there, allowing Joshua Kimmich to stay in midfield alongside Leon Goretzka. One of Bayern’s brightest stars, Jamal Musiala, remains a doubt for the match due to a lingering hip injury, which would be a big blow for the visitors. Meanwhile, their right-back options are slim with both Josip Stanisic and Sacha Boey also out, forcing Guerreiro to adapt to that position. 

Meanwhile, Inaki Pena is expected to continue in goal, with Wojciech Szczesny waiting in the wings after his recent arrival. Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s season-ending injury means Pena will also likely be in goal for the upcoming El Clasico. Dani Olmo and Gavi made their returns to the squad last weekend, with Gavi getting a few minutes on the pitch as he works back to full fitness. 

Frenkie de Jong is inching closer to starting after a recent return, though Marc Bernal remains out long-term with a serious knee injury. Ferran Torres is also unavailable due to a hamstring issue, and Barcelona’s defensive ranks have been hit hard as Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen are both ruled out. This means teenager Pau Cubarsi is expected to start again in what promises to be another huge test for the young defender. 

Barcelona vs Bayern Munich – Kick-Off Time and Date 

The game is scheduled to take place on 24th October 2024 (Thursday) at Camp Nou in Barcelona. The match will kick off at 12:30 AM (Indian Standard Time).