FC Barcelona are finally set to take on Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League. The Catalan giants have been waiting eagerly for this encounter, and so have their Bavarian opponents. Of all the ties that Barcelona have in this season’s Champions League group phase, this is by far their biggest test.
However, if there has been a Barcelona side in the last few years that has looked strong enough to take on an in-form Bayern Munich team, it may as well be this one. Under Hansi Flick’s leadership, La Blaugrana are looking more motivated than ever heading into this fixture.
With the game set to kick off soon, the Catalan giants have officially released their starting eleven for this Matchday three of the UEFA Champions League, and as expected, it is a strong line-up that Flick has decided to rely upon.
In goal, as was already confirmed some time ago, Hansi Flick has decided to start Inaki Pena. The Spaniard continues to have the faith of his German coach and it seems like he will be the one who will have to keep the Barcelona goal safe from Bayern Munich’s offensive onslaught.
Ahead of him, the trusted partnership of Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez remains firm. They have been the most reliable defensive duo for Barcelona this season and their displays together should give the team enough confidence in their abilities to give Bayern a hard time.
On either flank, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde continue to play as the starting fullbacks. While the Frenchman and the Spaniard will both be expected to attack the German team’s wings, they will also need to be extremely vigilante in terms of their defensive duties knowing how tricky it can be to suppress Bayern.
The two defensive midfielders right in front of them will be Pedri and Marc Casado. Both Spaniards are set to start again for Barcelona after their dominant displays together continue so far. However, both of them will need to be more cautious than ever before if they want to dominate Bayern’s midfield.
On both wide positions, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal are set to occupy the left and right wings respectively. They have been on fire this season in terms of both goals and assists and Hansi Flick will be counting on them to add to their tally against his former team. In between them, Fermin Lopez emerges as the surprise starter and his tenacity could be a great addition to this Barça attack.
Lastly, Robert Lewandowski will play as the team’s focal point in the attack. The Polish ace has been scoring goals for fun this season but this is his opportunity to showcase his qualities against a top-level opponent and against a team that he knows better than most people.
