Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona meet this Wednesday in an intriguing early Champions League clash. Both clubs are in the running for their respective domestic league titles and have introduced new managers to their ranks. Bayern Munich are led by the wunderkind Vincent Kompany, while Barcelona chose a German in Hansi Flick to succeed the displaced Xavi. Continue reading for expert Bayern betting tips and explore a breakdown and stats for Barcelona vs Bayern betting.
- UEFA Champions League
- FC Barcelona vs Bayern Munich
- October 23, 2024
- 3 PM EST
- Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Paramount+
Barcelona vs Bayern Betting Odds
Barcelona are the favorites to win this game on their home turf, but not by much. The Catalonians are (+141) to win in 90 minutes. Their visitors? Not far behind at (+170). A draw pays out at (+300).
Want to better understand the 3-way moneyline (1X2) market? See our soccer betting tips and learn about 2024/25 Champions League betting odds.
Barcelona Near-Perfect Under Hansi Flick in 2024
There is very little to complain about at Camp Nou, where Barcelona sits three points ahead of Real Madrid on the La Liga table. A shocking loss to Osasuna, a little over a week after their loss to Monaco in the Champions League, represents their lone domestic defeat. They have been perfect at home (in their temporary stadium, of course), and have outscored their opponents 13-1 since that away defeat.
Hansi Flick seems to have rejuvenated Barca after a few mediocre seasons for their standards. And their supporters have noticed, turning up for record attendance at Montjuic last match against Sevilla. But this week they face a real test: Bayern Munich on Wednesday and Real Madrid on the road on Saturday. These two sides are easily the best they have faced all season.
Barcelona will gain some help in return from the infirmary, however. Gavi is set to start in his long-awaited return from injury, along with Dani Olmo. Frenkie de Jong is nearing full recovery but his status for this midweek clash is in doubt. Wojceich Szczesny has arrived to replace Marc-Andre ter Stegen after his season-ending injury, but may not be prepared to start yet either.
Bayern a Bit Shaky To Begin New Era Under Kompany
Bayern has struggled in both domestic and continental competition relative to expectations this season. They have dropped points in the Bundesliga to Eintracht Frankfurt (away) and Leverkusen (home), and were blanked by Aston Villa. A 9-2 drubbing of Dinamo Zagreb on September 17 feels like ages ago now.
After that result, it appeared the club had galvanized under Vincent Kompany. But in their last 5 games, Bayern has won just twice. Momentum has dissipated and the firepower seen in their dominant performance in their UCL opener has fizzled out. Bayern appeared out of sorts at times against Aston Villa.
Kompany comes from the coaching tree of Pep Guardiola, and at just 38 years old, should have a long run in coaching. His selection as Bayern manager was a surprise to some, but Kompany has gained tremendous respect in the coaching world of soccer and is seen as a tactical genius by experts. His possession-based style of play is reminiscent of his former boss at Man City, who happens to be an icon of Catalonian soccer.
Bayern supporters will be anxiously awaiting news regarding the availability of one Jamal Musiala, whose nagging hip issue may keep him out another match. They should expect Joao Palhinha to play in Aleksandar Pavlovic’s stead after the German broke his collarbone just minutes into Bayern’s match against Stuttgart at the weekend.
Barcelona vs Bayern Betting Tips and Full Game Prediction
What presents itself from a market perspective in this tie is an opportunity to buy low on Bayern Munich and sell high on FC Barcelona. This line is no mistake: Bayern would be big favorites at home. They have the talent, tactics, and experience to win it all in 2024-25, but they just need to piece it together. Meanwhile, Barcelona are racing past their preseason expectations and look the part of a European juggernaut.
Yet former Bayern manager Hansi Flick has faced essentially no real competition all season. Barcelona’s toughest match was arguably a trip to Girona, and their loss to Monaco came after an early red card. Barca have not been truly tested this fall, and Bayern will be a massive jump in competition from Young Boys, Alaves and Sevilla, their most recent opponents.
For what it’s worth, Bayern have absolutely dominated this fixture in recent years. Barcelona has not scored in each of their last 4 meetings, with Bayern Munich winning 3-0 and 2-0 in 2022 and double 3-0 scorelines in 2021. They have certainly had their number in European competition historically as well: Barcelona have won just two of their 13 total Champions League meetings. Their last victory came in the 2014/15 season.
Play this cautiously considering the run of form between the two sides, but Bayern should be a favorite against Barcelona anywhere they play. I believe a half unit wager on Bayern in the Draw No Bet market is the best way to capitalize on the better team with the worse public perception.
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