Frank Christian
The recently revamped Uefa Champions League format has its critics, but one major advantage is the increased frequency of matchups between top teams.
Traditionally, Barcelona and Bayern Munich wouldn’t have been placed in the same group, but they are set to compete on Wednesday, October 23, in an exciting matchup.
Barcelona will host the game at the Olympic Stadium in Montjuic. Coach Hansi Flick aims to secure a victory against his former team to maintain a strong start with his new club.
This report provides the current team news and official lineups for this high-stakes clash involving two of Europe’s football giants.
Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich Lineups and Team Updates
In goal for Barcelona will be Inaki Pena, who has performed admirably in place of the injured Marc-André ter Stegen. Wojciech Szczesny, who came out of retirement to assist in the goalkeeping department, will remain on the bench.
Meanwhile, Frankie de Jong is also on the bench as Fermin Lopez steps into the attacking midfield role. Ferran Torres is sidelined with a hamstring injury, along with defenders Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen.
Barcelona (4-3-3, left to right): Pena (GK) — Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde — Casado, Pedri, Fermin Lopez — Raphinha, Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal
Barcelona substitutes: Szczesny (GK), Kochen (GK), Gavi, Fati, Torre, Pau Victor, Olmo, De Jong, Fort, Martin, Dominguez
Not to stir the pot, but…
Here are Bayern Munich and Barcelona’s last 5 encounters in the Champions League #FCBayern #FCBarcelona #UCL #FCBFCB pic.twitter.com/QpqPwsVQDr
— DW Sports (@dw_sports) October 21, 2024
Bayern Munich hopes to have Jamal Musiala back in action after he returned to training following a hip injury, and he has made the bench.
However, they will miss Aleksandar Pavlovic, who is out after breaking his collarbone in their 4-0 victory over Stuttgart. Joao Palhinha steps into the central midfield role.
Raphael Guerreiro is set to play right-back in place of the injured Josuha Kimmich, who will be in the midfield alongside Palhinha. Additionally, both Josip Stanisic and Sacha Boey are also sidelined.
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1, left to right): Neuer (GK) — Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Davies — Kimmich, Palhinha — Sane, Olise, Gnabry — Kane
Bayern Munich substitutes: Peretz (GK), Ulreich (GK), Goretzka, Sane, Coman, Dier, Ibrahimovic, Laimer, Tel, Musiala, Aznou
Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich Viewing Options
Here’s how to catch the Champions League match across various regions:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | — | Paramount+, ViX |
| Canada | — | DAZN |
| UK | TNT Sports 5 | Amazon Prime Video |
| Australia | — | Stan Sport |
| India | — | Sony LIV, JioTV |
