It was a mildly shocking experience last season seeing a superior home side, Bayern, going down to Chelsea in the final after penalties. It is my only slight doubt ahead of this game, the fact that Bayern could not handle the pressure a year ago. Because in my opinion Bayern are stronger than this Barcelona side and they are also in better form. Barcelona have done nothing great in 2013. OK, they have been able to hold on their big lead in La Liga, a lead they established in 2012. Barcelona were found out twice in a week by Real Madrid and do not tell me that they impressed against PSG in the quarter final. I do not think PSG realised what a great chance they had against a below par Barcelona side. Messi? He has not played since the second leg of the PSG encounter, but he will line up tomorrow. It is absolutely crucial for Barcelona to have Messi on the pitch, but I cannot imagine that he will be at his best in this game. C Puyol, Mascherano and Adriano, all defensive players, will be missing for Barca in this game. Who will join Pique in their central defence? Abidal or Bartra.
Bayern are still without the injured T Kroos and now their striker Mandzukic will sit out a suspension. Mario Gomez could start upfront, but Pizarro is also an alternative. What can Barcelona hope for? A slender loss, say 1-2, but I suggest that Bayern will win this first leg 3-1.
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