Opta Big Match Stats: Bayern to notch at least twice

 

Bayern's relentless good form and record against Barcelona makes them rightful favourites to take a lead to Spain writes Christian Crowther...

 

Barcelona have never won away against Bayern Munich (two draws, one defeat)

It would have to be labelled a travesty if this current crop of Bayern Munich players do not end up claiming the club's first Champions League trophy in 12 years as they make their third semi-final appearance in four seasons. Standing in their way are a Barcelona team whose recent multiple European successes they are trying to emulate, and the general consensus is that the Germans are the team best equipped to displace the Catalans as the dominant force on the continent. Having strolled to the Bundesliga title, Bayern's confidence couldn't be higher as they entertain Barca, and they warmed up for this one by inflicting a 6-1 defeat on Hannover. And whereas the Spaniards scraped past Paris St-Germain in the quarters, the Bavarians' clinical dispatching of Juventus has to make them favourites for a ninth straight win in all competitions.

Recommended Bet: Back Bayern Munich to win @ 2.26

 

Barcelona have only won three of their last 15 away games in the knockout stages of the Champions League

Already this season, Tito Vilanova's side have succumbed to defeats at Celtic and AC Milan before conceding at the death to draw away to Paris St-Germain. Aside from a blip against Arsenal, when the tie was already safely beyond the reach of the Londoners, Bayern have near enough swatted most opposition like flies at the Allianz Arena. No side has been as prolific as Bayern In Europe's top leagues this season either, with their last three games alone producing 16 goals for Jupp Heynckes' side, bumping up their goal difference to +75 (Manchester United's is +40 from three more games). The last two rounds have seen Barca breached twice away, the same amount they let in at Celtic Park in the group stage.

Best Bet: Back Bayern Munich to score two or more goals @ 2.14

 

Bayern Munich have not kept a clean sheet in their last 12 Champions League games at home against Spanish opposition

Bayern's record against Barcelona is certainly favourable, although the German champions are not unbreachable. In the process of getting battered for six goals apiece, Wolfsburg and most recently Hannover were both able to find the back of Bayern's net. After being purposefully rested for 12 days following a hamstring tweak in the first leg of Barca's quarter-final against Paris St-Germain, the world's best player Lionel Messi is reportedly raring to go ahead of his side's sixth straight semi-final appearance. If there is one player worth backing to find the net then it's the Argentine, as Messi has been directly involved in six of Barcelona's last eight away goals in the Champions League this season, conjuring four goals and two assists.

Recommended Bet: Back Lionel Messi to score @ 2.24

 

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