Match Preview
For the first time in a very long while, Barcelona could find themselves as underdogs when they take on Bayern Munich in the first leg of tonight's Champions League semi-final. The Catalans, so accustomed to dominating this competition, travel to the German capital today on the back of a dreadful run of form away from home having won only two of their last eight games on the road in all competitions. By contrast, Bayern Munich have won 18 of their last 19 matches in all competitions, have lost just one of 20 previous home encounters against Spanish opposition and are on an eight-match unbeaten run on German soil in this competition stretching back to 2001. To make matters worse for the La Liga leaders, Lionel Messi is a doubt having not played in his side's last two games. The Argentinian will be given right up until kick off to prove his match fitness, according to assistant manager
Jordi Roura.
"Messi has been feeling pretty good, but we'll wait until Tuesday to see if he can play."
Predicted Scoreline
Bayern Munich 1 - 0 Barcelona With the second leg set to be played at the Nou Camp on 1 May, I am tipping Bayern to draw first blood in this tie. Though a 1-0 win is hardly a knock-out blow against opposition of the caliber of Barcelona, I think the Bavarians will prevail over both legs.