Both Barça and Bayern have started the CL season with a win. The two will now meet in Munich on Tuesday. Barça coach Xavi wants to make the past a thing of the past.
FC Bayern are something of a fearsome opponent for the Catalans, who have only won two of their previous eleven CL matches against the German record champions. The last victory was seven years ago – a 3-0 win at the Nou Camp. Back then, Xavi was still a Barça player, but he has since been promoted to coach and hopes to finally change “the dynamics of history”.
The 42-year-old knows that this will not be easy. “We’ve only won twice against Bayern and never in Munich – we know about the tough task,” he noted, praising the upcoming opponent: “We’re playing against one of the best teams in the world.” However, he believes that his charges could win. His hope is not groundless, after all, the Catalans have started the season strongly, are still unbeaten and have gained confidence accordingly, most recently in the 4-0 win in Cadiz.
Group stage had nothing to report. The Catalans lost 3-0 in front of their own fans and at the Allianz Arena, and the 8-2 defeat in the 2020 quarter-finals is probably still a painful memory for many Catalans. After the clear defeats, “we talked a lot,” Xavi admitted openly and said directly that this time the starting position was different. “Our victories have given us confidence, the transfers have helped and our mentality has changed. “
Lewandowski’s strengths
As is well known, one key transfer was Robert Lewandowski, who hit the ground running thanks to his “timing, pace and game overview” and also developed into a “natural leader” straight away. The game in Munich “will be a special game for him”, knows Xavi, who had spared his star striker in the league with a view to the game in Munich: “He is fresh and will be motivated. “
There is not much at stake
Sportingly, Xavi expects an “intense game and aggressive at times” because both teams have a similar idea of the game. “Both want the ball, both play high pressing. Bayern wants to dominate and we want to have as much possession as possible.” Who will ultimately prevail will be revealed on Tuesday.
For Xavi, though, it’s also clear that it’s just a preliminary round game – nothing more, nothing less. “There are great expectations of us – and tomorrow’s game won’t change that, whether we win, lose or draw. Tomorrow is only about three points. But it would be a very big success for us if we win. We want to play well, but we can also lose. “
