Barcelona vs Bayern Munich Prediction & Betting Tips - Champions League

Prediction published on 09/08/2020, 15:55  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 13/08/2020 at 07:02 in Champions League Predictions

Barcelona and Bayern Munich prepare to clash in the Champions League quarter-finals this Friday. The Spanish side made it to this stage after beating Italian outfit Napoli 4-2 on aggregate. Bayern Munich made lighter work of their Round of 16 opponents, Chelsea, by beating them in both legs for a 7-1 aggregate triumph. The German side were among the favourites to win the competition after becoming the strongest group winners in UCL history, winning every game and scoring a load of goals in the process. Barcelona also topped their group but in far less convincing fashion. It typified the type of season they were having until the hiatus, one in which they were able to pick up good results without hitting their stride. Sacking Ernesto Valverde didn't solve their problems as they lost their La Liga title to Real Madrid, finishing second. Firing managers can sometimes have the desired effect as Bayern showed. They got rid of Niko Kovac early in the season and replaced him with Hansi Flick. It was a change that reaped big rewards as Bayern won the German double yet again and enter this game on the back of 26 wins from their last 27 games in all competitions. 

Goals have been plentiful in this edition of the UCL with there being an average of 3.21 goals per match. This game pits two sides renowned for their attacking talent against each other. However, while Barcelona remain dependent Lionel Messi, the magician has been below his best this season when it comes to scoring. He's only found the back of the net three times in seven UCL appearances. Bayern's Robert Lewandowski has ten more goals in the same number of games. The Polish forward is having the season of his career and the fact that there won't be a Ballon d'Or acknowledging his abilities is a travesty. The clubs have a history of meeting in the latter stages of the UCL. Barca won in the semi-finals of 2015 as Bayern did in 2013. This time around, it feels like Bayern's turn to taste glory. We say back the Bavarians to make it to the final four.