This isn't Hansi Flick's first time in this European clash. During his tenure with Bayern, he handed Barcelona one of its most humiliating defeats, an 8–2 loss on their way to winning the UCL in 2020. Now, just a few years later, Flick will look to end Barcelona's six-game losing streak against his former team, which dates back to 2015. After a loss to Monaco in their UCL opener, Barcelona rebounded with a win over Young Boys to kick off their European campaign. Meanwhile, Bayern is looking to bounce back after losing to Aston Villa, which snapped their 41-game unbeaten streak in the UCL group stage.
Barcelona regained key players in their recent 5–1 victory over Sevilla, with Gavi and Fermin López making their season debuts, and Dani Olmo returning to the squad after over a month. Flick now has more options as he faces the biggest test of his early tenure with the Catalans.
Here’s how Barcelona might line up in their effort to defeat Bayern Munich for the first time in nearly a decade:
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1)
- GK: Iñaki Peña—Flick has confirmed Peña as the starter against Bayern, stating, "there's no reason to change" the goalkeeper situation over new signing Wojciech Szczęsny.
- LB: Alejandro Balde—The 21-year-old has had a quiet but solid start to the campaign and will face a major test against either Michael Olise or Leroy Sane.
- CB: Pau Cubarsí—At just 17, he’s being hailed as “one of the future defensive leaders in world soccer” by Kompany, and he continues to deliver impressively mature performances.
- CB: Iñigo Martínez—Alongside Cubarsí, he will have the challenge of containing Harry Kane.
- RB: Jules Koundé—After recently reaching 100 caps for the club, the Frenchman will aim to thwart any German advances on Barcelona’s right flank.
- CM: Marc Casadó—Impressive since Flick took over, Casadó excels in the defensive midfielder role, doing essential work in a squad filled with big names. La Masia might have produced another gem.
- CM: Pedri—Pedri showcased his talent in the win against Sevilla, and if injuries allow, he has the potential to be one of the best midfielders in the game.
- LW: Raphinha—Returning to the wing after playing centrally in recent matches, Raphinha aims for a goal contribution for the fourth consecutive game with Barcelona.
- AM: Dani Olmo—Though he didn’t play over the weekend, Olmo is fit and could slot back into the XI. He has scored four goals against Bayern in his career, more than against any other team
- RW: Lamine Yamal—Yamal will face the speedy Alphonso Davies in a highly anticipated duel as he seeks his second UCL goal.
- ST: Robert Lewandowski—The Polish striker will take on his former team, where he netted an impressive 344 goals in 375 appearances.