The Catalans have had an excellent start to the season
he idea of Barcelona taking on Bayern Munich inspires very different thoughts to what it would have just a few months ago. The two meet in the Champions League on Tuesday, and the game comes at a better time for the Catalans than the Bavarians.
It might even be said that Xavi Hernandez‘s side are favourites for the game at the Allianz Arena, and Robert Lewandowski being pat of their side is a big factor as to why that is. Of course, it is his return to the home he forced his way out of this past summer.
Barcelona have played six games this season. They’ve won five on the bounce after drawing their opening game, and they’ve scored 20 goals while conceding just two.
Lewandowski, of course, stands out. He has been in fine form, scoring nine goals already this season and two of those came in their Champions League opener. He has already settled in Catalonia.
But Bayern have had a different kind of start to the season. They’ve been a little hesitant and have won just three of their six games. They’ve scored an impressive 19 goals though, and made light work of Inter in their first Champions League game.
Bayern are twitching
Bayern are slipping in a way that isn’t normal and there’s a rare atmosphere in the dressing room.
“For the first time this season, I’m angry,” said Thomas Muller. “If we want to win every game, which is our goal, we have to go all the way in every game.
“It doesn’t matter if we have a big game in midweek. With our current situation, we have to give it our all until the end. If we want to get back to the top of the table, which we do, then we have to take a good look at ourselves.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann joined in with Muller‘s sentiments.
“I don’t know if the pressure has increased, it’s always subjective and it comes from the outside,” the coach said. “We’ll keep working, training, analysing and trying to get good ideas.”
Director Hasan Salihamidzic warned that Bayern will “have to go up two gears against Barcelona, even three,” and pointed out the threat of Lewandowski.