The UEFA Champions League returns for
the 2021/22 season tonight. The opening night’s most awaited fixture is without
a doubt the meeting between footballing giants FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich. The
teams face off 13 months after Bayern inflicted the Blaugrana’s worst-ever
loss.

While most of Bayern’s squad remains
the same, this time they will be guided by new coach Julian Nagelsmann who is
starting to make his mark. There was a time when the Camp Nou was considered a
fortress of the Spanish side but in the world of football, time changes quickly.

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Barcelona will be without their talisman
Lionel Messi who joined French giants Paris Saint Germain in the summer transfer
window. A move that shook the football world to its core.
The club is undergoing a major transformation and is expected to field a young and
fresh starting 11. All eyes will be on Spanish starlet Pedri Gonzalez. 

In the pre-match conference Barcelona coach
Ronald Koeman said, ‘We know how
good Bayern are. They have very experienced and quality players and it’s going
to be very tough. We want to compete in the Champions
League and we play at home. We are going to try and get the
best result possible.’ as per Barca Blaugranes.

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The Blaugrana will be out for revenge but
it remains to be seen whether that hunger will be enough to contain Robert
Lewandowski. Considering the form that Barcelona’s defence has been in, this seems
like an impossible task. The striker has been the best player this season, only
behind Lionel Messi (arguably) and will be looking to add to his goal tally.

Barcelona will be without star players
Ansu Fati, Sergio Agüero, Ousmane
Dembélé, Martin Braithwaite while Bayern has a relatively fit squad which is
another advantage for the Bavarians.

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It will
be interesting to watch whether the Blaugrana can produce an unexpected result or
will the match favourites Bayern walk out with a victory.

UCL holders Chelsea also began their
title defence against Zenit tonight while Cristiano Ronaldo will be playing for
Manchester United against Young boys.