Tonight, Champions League action returns with Bayern Munich hosting Barcelona in the first leg of the semi-final game at the Allianz Arena
Although the Germans have been in breathtaking form recently and many feel that the Bavarians will have the upper hand tonight, one cannot rule out the Catalonian giants who have this amazing tendency to rise when they are down and out.
They did that against Paris Saint-Germain and may do so yet again tonight with or without Lionel Messi.
There are quite a few things that set these two great clubs apart and a few of those things could even decide which team reaches the final scheduled to take place in Wembley this May.
Past meetings
The last time these two sides met was back in the 2008/09 quarterfinal stages of the competition and the Catalans effectively decided the outcome of the two-legged encounter by shipping in four first-half goals past Hans Jorg Butt at home. And in the reverse fixture, they played a 1-1 draw. Pep Guardiola missed that game due to a one-match ban and Tito Vilanova was on the touchline for that match.
Last European semi-final
The last time the two sides met each other in the semi-final of a European competition was way back in the 1995/96 UEFA Cup. That encounter saw the Bavarians win 4-3 on aggregate and go on the win the competition.
Fortress that is the Allianz Arena
Bayern Munich have been in superb form at home winning 11 of their last 13 Champions League games. These 13 games include last season’s heart-breaking final defeat at the hands of Chelsea. The other was against Arsenal in this seasons knockout stage of the Champions League.
Good record in Deutschland
Barcelona on the other hand, are unbeaten in Germany in their last eight travels. Five wins and three draws mean that Barcelona will not be feeling the heat of facing an in-form Bayern Munich side. However, it should also be noted that Barca’s most recent trip to Germany saw them beat FC Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 in the first leg of the last 16 before drubbing them 7-1 at Camp Nou.
Germany vs Spain
Barcelona have on 51 occasions battled against German teams in European competitions. The Catalans have emerged victorious in 28 encounters and were defeated 11 times.
Bayern on the other hand, have faced Spanish teams a total 43 times, out of which they have managed 20 wins and lost 11 of these ties.
Semi-final record
Bayern Munich’s European Cup semi-final record is nine wins and five defeats with their previous victory coming at the expense of Real Madrid last season. They won that two-legged affair 3-1 on penalties.
Barcelona on the other hand, have won six of their last 13 semi-finals. Last season however, they lost 3-2 to Chelsea.
Attacking full-backs
What is very typical of both the teams are their attacking minded full backs who are seen venturing in the opposition half with great vigour.
Barcelona’s Brazilian right back Dani Alves seems to be a facsimile of his compatriot and former Real Madrid man Roberto Carlos who was also known for his attacking abilities. This season Alves has managed a total of six assists and one goal in 30 starts which is quite low for his usual standards.
His teammate and summer recruit Jordi Alba on the other hand has scored four and registed five assists for Barcelona this season.
Bayern Munich captain Philip Lahm is another defender known for his attacking features, the 29 year old has this season contributed 14 assists for his side. Austrian international David Alaba who has recently made the left back berth his own, has been on target five times for Bayern with his latest strike coming in the all important tie against Juventus in the Champions League. The 20 year old has also coupled his goals with three assists.
Goal scoring record
Both the sides this season have been lethal in front of the goal and boast some of the most attacking minded individuals in the game. Bayern Munich have scored 89 goals in the 30 games they have played in the league so far. Barcelona playing two more games than their counterparts have scored ten more goals than the Bavarians.
Defensive Record
Whereas Barcelona enjoy a superior goal scoring record, it is Bayern who have managed to keep their goal well protected. The German champions have incredibly only conceded 14 goals in the Bundesliga, compared to the Catalans who have conceded 33 in the league.
League leaders and potential champions
Whereas Bayern have already sealed the title with four matches yet to be played, Barcelona are cruising towards their 22nd La Liga title. They currently enjoy a 13 points lead over second placed Real Madrid and with only six games to be played the title definitely seems to be heading to the Nou Camp.
However statistics will have no importance as Barcelona enter the Allianz Arena in what should be an exhilarating encounter between two of the finest teams currently in Europe.
Bayern will be hoping to take full advantage playing the first leg at home, they will also be delighted on the prospect of not facing the dangerous Lionel Messi who despite of being named in the squad is doubtful of making it to the starting eleven of tonight's tie.
