Venue: The Allianz Arena Date: Tuesday 23rd April K/o: 19:45 GMT
Team News
Bayern Munich will be without influential striker Mario Mandzukic for tonight's visit of Barcelona for the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals. The Croatian is suspended. Philippe Lahm, Javi Martinez and Bastian Schweinsteiger should however all return to the starting xi having been rested for Saturday's 6-1 win over Hannover. Long-term absentees Toni Kroos (groin) and Holger Badstuber (knee) remain sidelined. Barcelona have been boosted by Lionel Messi's return to full training having missed the last two games with a hamstring injury, and he could start tonight. Defenders Carlos Puyol and Javier Mascherano (both knee) and Adriano (suspension) are all out so youngster Marc Bartra is expected to partner Gerard Pique in central defence.
Key Stats
Bayern Munich have won 18 of their last 19 games in all competitions, with their only defeat coming against Arsenal in the round of 16 second leg. Barcelona have only won two of their last eight away games across all competitions (W2, D4, L2). Bayern Munich will be hoping to reach their third Champions League final in four seasons. Barcelona are looking to win the Champions League for the third time in five seasons. Bayern have won three of their six previous meetings with Barcelona in European competition (W3, D2, L1) and have lost just one of 20 previous home encounters against Spanish opponents (W14, D5, L1).
(goal.com)
Likely Line-Ups
Bayern Munich Neuer, Lahm, Buyten, Dante, Alaba, Martínez, Schweinsteiger, Robben, Müller, Ribéry, Gómez
Barcelona Valdés, Alves, Piqué, Bartra, Alba, Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta, Pedro, Messi, Sánchez
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