07 December 2021, 14:04 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The UEFA Champions League returns with one of the most anticipated fixtures of Matchday 6, F.C. Bayern Munich vs. F.C. Barcelona. Slated for 21:00 (GMT+1) on Wednesday, December 8, at the Allianz Arena, referee Ovidiu Haţegan (ROU) has been named as the first official for this fixture. Famous in the Italian Serie A, Paolo Valeri (ITA) will be the VAR.
Preview FC Bayern München Champions League, Dec 8, 2021
Preview Bayern Munich returns to the star-studded arena of champions for this dead-rubber game against Barcelona, following the weekend's 3-2 win over Dortmund in Der Klassiker. A penalty from the Ballon d’Or runner-up, Robert Lewandowski (9’ & 77’ P.), eventually determined the outcome of the topsy-turvy duel which had seen Bayern go behind in the fifth minute. Back on European soil, Bayern defeated Dynamo Kyiv, 2-1, on UCL Matchday 5, to remain at the top of Group E with 15 points after 5W, 0D, and 0L. A stunning overhead kick from Robert Lewandowski (14’) had the Reds in the lead inside the snowstorm, well before Kingsley Coman (42’) bagged Bayern’s second. However, Denys Harmash (70’) denied Bayern the clean sheet. Having bagged a qualification for the next round and a first-place finish, a few unfamiliar faces could be finding their way into Nagelsmann’s 4—2—3—1 formation. However, Robert Lewandowski could be given a few minutes as he continues in search of another personal numerical milestone. On Wednesday, Lewandowski (9 goals) could equal Cristiano Ronaldo's record [set for Real Madrid in 2017/18] of scoring in all six UCL group matches. Meanwhile, Lucas Hernandez picked up a sprained ankle in the weekend match against Dortmund and is ruled out of this fixture.
Preview FC Barcelona Champions League, Dec 8, 2021
Preview Barcelona are coming off the back of a shocking 1-0 defeat to Real Betis in LaLiga. Unable to convert, despite having all the numbers in their favor, a single-strike from Betis' Juanmi (79’) in a well-executed counter-attack saw Xavi suffer his first defeat in the coaching seat for Barcelona. Xavi’s side need a victory to see out a spot in the last-16. However, Barcelona will still go through if Benfica, who have five points, fail to defeat Dynamo Kyiv. The Spanish outfit has 7 points from 2W, 1D, & 2L ahead of this fixture against Bayern Munich and are looking to return to winning ways, DWDWL. Xavi has settled for the 4—3—3 formation since his arrival from Al Sadd in an attempt to bring identity to the club where he made 505 senior appearances, scoring 58 goals. Memphis Depay is expected at the focal point of attack. If booked, Piqué will miss the next game. Gavi (concussion) remains doubtful for this fixture, while Ansu Fati has been ruled out. In addition, Sergi Roberto recently went under the knife for corrective knee surgery and is ruled out for the year.