Bayern Munich V Barcelona Live – La Liga Giants To Confirm Final Spot

Bayern Munich V Barcelona
Tuesday 12th May. 7:45PM. ITV 1

An explosive end to last week’s first leg contest at the Nou Camp has left Luis Enrique’s Barcelona heading to Germany with one foot firmly planted in the 6th June final.

However, if any team is rescuing such a seemingly ominous situation then it has to be the Bavarians – just ask Porto. There might still be some life in this contest yet.

Whatever happens, it will be a fantastic showdown between two of the greatest clubs in world football. You wouldn’t want to miss it for anything.

One Task Too Far For Bayern

[quote_right]Bayern Munich are unbeaten in their four European home games against Barcelona (W2, D2) and have always managed to score in this run.[/quote_right]Whilst the writing is seemingly on the wall for Pep’s Bayern, the home fans will take confidence from the recent second leg revivals against Shakhtar Donetsk and Porto as they head into this pivotal home semi-final leg. However, with no disrespect to either of the aforementioned, the chalenge of Barcelona is far greater.

Bayern are a quality side, as has been shown time and time again over the past few seasons, but the absence of key stars like Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery have notabel taking their toll and the Bavarians aren’t quite hitting the same level of performance that we’ve become accustomed to. That’s not to say they can’t still play some very exciting stuff, but the injuries probably make a three-goal swing too difficult.

Meanwhile, the recent poor form doesn’t help. Bayern have lost four competitive fixtures on the spin. There are a number of contributing factors, including the fact their Bundesliga crown has been confirmed. Nonetheless, the bad run of results will have dented the confidence and that could be crucial ahead of such a daunting task.

[quote_center]Offer: Collect a £30 free bet at Betfred now![/quote_center]

It would be a little naïve to rule out such a talented squad entirely but it doesn’t look good for Bayern. For the neutral, though, their added emphasis on attack should make for a cracking spectacle.

Messi Magic To Fire Barca To Berlin

[quote_right]Lionel Messi has been involved in six of Barcelona’s last eight goals against Bayern in the Champions League (4 goals, 2 assists). He’s also top scorer this season with 10 goals.[/quote_right]For long periods of last week’s first leg it appeared as though Bayern would be entering this return clash as the favourites to progress. Then Lionel Messi stepped up to turn the tie on its head before Neymar added the killer blow with that late third.

After a testing start to life under their new manager, the Catalan giants are now Europe’s form side and are on track to record an incredible treble. The team is firing on all cylinders, not least with the fearsome attacking trio that’s completed by Luis Suarez, and it would be a huge shock if the visitors let this three-goal lead slip in Germany, especially as an away goal could effectively end Munich’s already slim chances.

Confidence is sky high after a run of 17 wins and a draw from their past 18 outings and it’s hard to see such an experienced and cohesive defence conceding at least three, particularly given Bayern’s absentee list. Arguably the biggest threat to the visitors is knowing whether to protect the advantage or try to extend their lead.

Either way, Barcelona retain possession just as well as Bayern and could quite easily frustrate their opponents. Whatever happens, we should see a masterclass from at least one of these two great clubs.

It should be a classic.

Bayern Munich V Barcelona Betting Tips

Despite being virtually eliminated, Bayern are the slight favourites to win Tuesday’s battle and are priced 31/20 with Bet365. Meanwhile, Barcelona are 13/8 to extend their aggregate lead whilst the draw can be baked at 5/2.

Whilst most outsiders suspect Barcelona have already done enough to secure their progression, Enrique will want to see his men kill the tie with a crucial away goal. Finding the target in Munich would see Bayern enter the almost impossible territory of needing at least five goals.

Assuming that Barcelona do get on the scoresheet, it seems inevitable that the Champions League’s top scorer will be the man to do it. It’s always hard to ignore Messi at odds of above Evens, even against such formidable hosts. We’re backing the magician to work his magic once more.

[quote_center]Tip: Lionel Messi to score anytime @ 11/10 with Betfred[/quote_center]

Last week we saw the game burst into life late on and we think it could be a similar troy at the Allianz.

Bayern will be chasing goals, whilst Barca could capitalise on the counter. This should be the recipe for opportunities late on and we’d expect the calibre of strikers to take those chance with open arms. Expect a dramatic finale.

[quote_center]Tip: Last goal to be scored after 74:59 with Bet365[/quote_center]