Barcelona: Barcelona will be taking on Bayern Munich in an attempt to recover from the shameful 8-2 loss at the hands of the German Giants in a Group E encounter as the UEFA Champions League(UCL) return on Tuesday.
The 2019-20 UCL quarterfinals saw the two teams face each other when the German side ran riots against Barcelona. As Bayern Munich went on to win the prestigious European title home, this loss exposed a lot of foundation issues of Barcelona. From Lionel Messi expressing his desire to leave the club to Luis Suarez’s departure.
Barcelona will be looking forward to changing their fate this time, but it would be a tough job with the absence of Lionel Messi. Forwards like Sergio Aguero and Ousmane Dembelé would also be unavailable making it expectant of Memphis Depay, Luuk De Jong, and Demir to take the charge.
The most crucial man for this game can be Phillipe Coutinho if positioned, although Barcelona had been accused with the allegations of not utilizing the talent of the Brazilian which Bayern had cleverly done last time. Coutinho had scored a brace and bagged an assist in the very same encounter against Barcelona. Barcelona’s worries with the defense stay put as both Jordi Alba and Sergino Dest are doubtful of featuring.
While Bayern Munich will be missing only on the services of Serge Gnabry due to injury. Bayern had been on an outstanding spree finding the net 21 times in their last three matches. It will be interesting to see how Barcelona without Lionel Messi who had recently bid adieu to his childhood club for Paris Saint-Germain, can stand up to a mighty force like Bayern.
In other matches of the day, Cristiano Ronaldo might make his debut in the Champions League for the second time in Manchester United gear, since the 2009 Champions League final against Barcelona. Manchester United will be hosted by Young boys. Ronaldo who has always been a persona in the UCL will be more expected to deliver a stellar performance after the magnificent Old Trafford show .
Chelsea will be hosting Zenit at Stamford Bridge the same day. With the potential five days potentially overruled Chelsea will be able to field their main man in defence Thiago Silva while Zenit would be with Malcom and Claudinho who were to be suspended as well after the club’s refused to let the Brazilians attend national team duties in South America amidst the increasing covid cases.
