FC BARCELONA VS BAYERN MUNICH: PREVIEW
- All about 'time'
Champions League Semifinal
Thursday, 7 May, 12:15 AM
Camp Nou
ITS FOOTBALL VS FOOTBALL!
Revenge. The word 'Revenge' brings in so many emotions to the Barcelona Players. It's been two years since that unforgettable defeat against Bayern Munich (7-0 on agg.). This time, the Catalan giants look for redemption. Oh my! What a match this is going to be. Pep Guardiola returning to his very own 'home'. Yet, this is no time for mixed emotions for the Catalans. Its time to prove the world that they play the best football on the planet. Its time for redemption, time for glory.
The world comes to a stand still as Barcelona will look to overcome the biggest challenge of the season. Before going into the depth analysis, let me share a fact: "The players wanted to face Bayern Munich for the semi-finals. They were hoping to draw with the Germans before the draw". This speaks for itself. The Catalans are confident that this time. There is no room for mercy.
Why does Barcelona have more chances of winning this match?
1. Astonishing stats of Barcelona
Barcelona have been one of the favourites this season, to win the UEFA Champions League. Luis Enrique has revolutionised this club ever since he was signed this season. In his debut season, he has proved his love for this club and has shown his determination and professionalism. Luis Enrique is called 'Lucho' in the catalan state. So, let's refer to him has Lucho from now. Sounds more friendly, doesn't it?
This stat tells you the whole story. Lucho has so far been the best manager Barcelona has ever got. Lucho underwent lots of criticism for 'rotating the squad' frequently. Now, not only the cules but the whole footballing world is shocked that all the Barcelona's players are healthy and fit! Isn't that remarkable? Barcelona is as fresh as they started the season. It can be noticed from their recent thrashings against Cordoba (whooping 8-0 win) and Getafe (6-0). They are in a devastating form. There is no reason why Barcelona aren't the best team in the world currently.
The trident, Messi-Suarez-Neymar have scored 108 goals this season ( Remember, Suarez started playing after 10 matches since he joined because of the suspension). Barcelona have also managed to 'head' in 8 goals! Yes, that's more than any Spanish team. Barcelona's current defence has proven to be the most efficient in terms of scoring and conceding. In the league, they have managed 21 clean sheets. That is more than they have conceded(18 goals). There is no reason why Barcelona won't win the treble except for bad luck. Barcelona have hit the goal frame more that any other team in Europe this season. Messi alone has hit the frame 8 times this season. Agony.
Barcelona and the woodwork, still a better love story than Twilight? Guess so.
Jokes apart, it is very clear from the stats and technical perspective that Barcelona deserve to win it all this season. Let us look at some more reasons why Barcelona deserve it all.
2. Lionel Messi
The 27 year old legend has scored 51 goals for Barcelona from 50 matches and has assisted 26 times for his team mates. WHOA!
Leo Messi. The Second Edition of the 20-volume Oxford English Dictionary contains full entries for 171,476 words in current use, and 47,156 obsolete words. Not a word can describe this 'little-huge' genius. This man has alone created 238 chances of goal scoring this season for the other team-mates and 235 chances for himself. That's a total of 473 chances of goal scoring this season. Messi alone destroys one whole club's stats. Bayern Munich, be scared. Be very scared because he is fit and is in the best form in 3 years.
One more reason for Bayern Munich to be scared:
3. Mes Que Un Club
Yes, the tagline of the club 'Mes que un club' (More than a club) played a huge role this season too. We have seen the players caring for each other like they are a family. They are a family, indeed. In the match against Cordoba, Messi was on a hat-trick when Barcelona were awarded a penalty. BOOM, Messi decides it to give it to Neymar as he hadn't scored in the match. If Messi had taken the penalty, he would have been ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo for the Pichichi award by two goals but yet again, Messi shows that he is not only a great football player but also a great human being. Meanwhile at Santiago Bernebeu, Madrid, someone is not happy. You know who.
Rakitic: "Messi let Neymar take the penalty? It shows the whole team is a big family. We fight together and we want to win every game."
This team, with these players, this coach and this understanding deserves to win it all. Tell me one reason why they don't. You don't have any reason, do you?
4. Injury hit Bayern Munich
Pep Guardiola is used to dealing with contusions and serious knocks since arriving in Germany, but in this campaign, the problems have reached another level. Every single important player on the squad has suffered from a physical problem so far, and the Bavarians will deal with some serious blows to their rotation as they get ready to play at Camp Nou next Wednesday.
Here's a list of the injured Bayern players going into this tie:
Player, Injury, Status (Expected Return)Franck Ribéry, Ankle, Day-to-day (could play the second leg)Arjen Robben, Left calf muscle tear, Out for SeasonDavid Alaba, Left knee ligament tear, Late MayHolger Badstuber, Left thigh muscle tear, Out for SeasonRobert Lewandowski, Broken jaw and nose + concussion, Unclear
Ribéry and Lewandowski are the only ones with the slightest chance of appearing in the tie. The Polish striker is promising to return , but no one in their right mind would let a guy with his face broken and still recovering from concussion play just eight days later.
We will take any advantage they can get in such a tough duel against one of the best teams in the world. Injuries are sad, but let's take it anyway.
Now, only the time can tell us what the future holds. All the stats and facts are futile until we see what happens in the first leg. Will Lucho Era succeed? Will Messi shine against the Germans finally? Will there be any mixed emotions for the prodigal son: Pep Guardiola? Will Pep Guardiola suffer from the beast he created: Messi? Will Injury struck Bayern prove why they have been the best team in the world or will Barcelona conquer the world? answer to all these is : time.
Its time, Barca. Its time.
Its time, Barca. Its time.
Note: As this is my first article, I would certainly appreciate flaws and corrections.
In the coming articles, I'll be replacing "FC Barcelona" with "we". You know why.
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