Bayern Munich vs Barcelona LIVE: Champions League result, final score and reaction tonight
Follow all the latest updates from the Champions League match at the Allianz Arena as Bayern chase a perfect group record and Xavi tries to salvage Barca’s campaign
Barcelona find new levels of humiliation. This Champions League elimination wasn’t an 8-2 or one of those collapses, but it was a first group-stage elimination since 2001.
Far from a vision of how to play the game, they are the ultimate image of an empire that has crumbled. You could say this 3-0 win was another illustration of Bayern Munich’s own power as they secured a 100% record from the group, but they didn’t have to reach such heights. It was all so easy for the German champions, as they seemed to get through Barcelona with every single attack.
Almost the worst thing about it was how it never felt like they had any chance at all. That was even before Benfica basically ended any tension on the evening by going ahead against Dynamo Kyiv before the 20th minute of the other match.
This defeat, and elimination, was of course down to so much more than what actually happened on the night. There were the ghosts of many bad Barca defeats to Bayern within it, after all.
It is the latest consequence of a long decline, and a series of bad decisions taken at every turn.
Bayern Munich vs Barcelona
The match this evening will be played behind-closed-doors due to Covid cases in Germany rising.
Markus Söder, the Minister-President of Bavaria, told regional broadcaster Bayern 2: “It makes no sense to allow spectators again for the foreseeable future. If that doesn’t work on the federal level, we will do it for Bavaria alone.”
Though fans presence would have added to the tension in the match, it will be nearly full to the brim due to how crucial this match is for Barcelona.
Lose it and they may be out of the Champions League.
Bayern Munich set to play matches without fans as Covid cases soar
Markus Söder, the Minister-President of Bavaria, says sports events will be held in empty stadiums
Bayern Munich vs Barcelona
The match kicks off at the Allianz Arena in just over half an hour but that’s not the only Champions League match happening this evening.
Chelsea had an earlier kick-off and they are embroiled in a tense match. They were 1-0 up but went 2-1 down only for Lukaku to equalise and Werner to put them ahead again! That match is in its closing stages and if you want to follow it live click the link below.
Meanwhile the other earlier game sees Juventus 1-0 up over Malmo.
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Bayern Munich vs Barcelona
Everyone in the football world will have their eyes on tonight’s fixture to see the fate of Barca’s Champions League hopes.
The side last didn’t qualify for the knock-out rounds in the 2000/01 season when Leeds United and AC Milan progressed in their group.
Will we see the same fate 21 years later? Barca’s supporters will soon find out...
Bayern Munich vs Barcelona
Barcelona manager Xavi is clear on the main threat his side are under this evening - Robert Lewandowski.
The Polish international scored twice against Barca in the reverse fixture and is in fine form this season.
Xavi said: “The key will be to go out with confidence, try to dominate by having the ball and attack. We have to defend as a team and try to keep Lewandowski out of the area because that’s where he is decisive.”
Bayern Munich vs Barcelona
For any Game of Thrones fans out there this reference will be a treat, if you’re not look away now!
Bayern have posted that “winter is here” as it’s snowing in the Allianz Arena and Barcelona will need a Winterfell miracle if they are to come away with a win this evening.
A loss could mean they are out of the Champions League so it’s an important night for the Spanish club. Kick-off in just under an hour.
Bayern Munich vs Barcelona team news
And now the hosts have released their starting squad!
Upamecano returns from his European ban but Joshua Kimmich, Michael Cuisance and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting are all out due to Covid.
Neuer will stand tall in goal with star man Lewandowski upfront.
Full line-up: Neuer, Upamecano, Sule, Pavard, Lewandowski, Sane, Coman, Davies, Tolisso, Muller, Musiala
Bayern Munich vs Barcelona team news
Barcelona have announce their team news for the must win fixture.
Frenkie de Jong returns to the starting XI alongside Gavi.
Full line-up: Ter Stegen, Dest, Pique, R. Araujo, Sergio, O. Dembele, Depay, Lenglet, Alba, F. De Jong, Gavi
Bayern Munich vs Barcelona
Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann has urged his team to not get complacent despite already booking their spot in the knock-out round.
The German club are unbeaten so far in the Champions League and are targeting a perfect group stage run.
Nagelsmann said: “We’re happy that we’re going into this game having already secured top spot. Nevertheless, it’s still an important game. The Champions League is always something special, and we want to be fair to the rest of the teams in the group.
“Barça still have world-class players. They are under pressure in the table and have to win, and they will give everything to do that. It’s not about knocking them out, but about the three points for us. I still see them as candidates for the title.”
Bayern Munich vs Barcelona
Xavi has made it clear how crucial a game tonight’s Bayern Munich clash is to his team and their fans.
Barca need to win tonight’s fixture to qualify for the next round and the manager said: “It’s a decisive game for us and we have our own fate in our own hands. If we win, we are through.
“History tells us that we have not won in Munich but now we have a chance to break that run. We have a great chance to rewrite history with our first win there and we are looking forward to that.”
Bayern Munich vs Barcelona
The Champions League fixture will kick-off at 8pm and it’s all on the line for Barcelona who need a win against the German club.
We’ve popped a piece together so you know all you need to about the fixture! Confirmed team news is expected imminently and as soon as it comes in we will let you know.
How to watch Bayern Munich vs Barcelona online and on TV tonight
Everything you need to know about the fixture
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