Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich: Complete Champions League Preview

It has never been done in Champions League history, but when Barcelona welcome Bayern Munich to Camp Nou on Wednesday night they will have to overcome a 4-0 deficit to stay in the competition.

Competing in their sixth successive semifinal, the Catalans were taken apart in Germany by a Bayern side who showed them no mercy.

Goals from Thomas Muller (2), Mario Gomez and Arjen Robben sparked a week of talk debating whether this will be remembered as the time Barca passed the torch of dominance to the recently crowned Bundesliga champions.

On Monday morning, Catalan newspapers Sport and Mundo Deportivo led with headlines which focused on "The Comeback."

It all has a similar feel to the build up for the second leg against AC Milan in the last 16, except this time they're 4-0 down and it's Bayern—not the Italians—who are rolling into town.

Team News

 Jordi Alba's late yellow card—for throwing the ball in Robben's face—in the Allianz Arena last week means he'll be suspended.

With Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano still injured, it's a further dent to the defensive options which Tito Vilanova has available.

Barca's manager will be boosted by Lionel Messi's goal-scoring cameo off the bench against Athletic Bilbao at the weekend, and will also hope Sergio Busquets' rest has restored his powers.

Bayern Munich have no new injury concerns or suspensions to concern themselves with after the first leg—midfielder Toni Kroos and defender Holger Badstuber remain long-term absentees.

Mario Mandzukic returned to Bundesliga action at the weekend, and Jupp Heynckes will have to decide whether he's ready to lead the line again or to stick with Mario Gomez.

Dante, Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Javi Martinez, Luiz Gustavo and Mario Gomez are all a booking away from missing the final.

Form

For the last three months, it's been no secret that La Blaugrana's form has not been as dominant as it was at the start of the season.

They followed up defeat to Bayern with a draw at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, and have won just three of their last eight matches.

In the Champions League, they have won just once in their last six games and twice in their last eight.

On the other hand, Bayern Munich's form this calendar year has been truly incredible.

Since losing to Arsenal in the Champions League, they have won 10 games in a row, including 9-2, 6-1 (twice) and 4-0 (twice) successes.

Their record in 25 games played in all competitions in 2013 reads 24 wins and one defeat.

Men to Watch

Lionel Messi

Messi has been struggling for fitness since leaving the match against PSG in Paris at halftime.

His role—and goal—against Athletic on Saturday suggested he is somewhere near returning to full fitness.

If Barcelona are to even attempt the toughest of comebacks, they'll need the 25-year-old to be at his sauntering best—maybe even his best ever. 

Bastian Schweinsteiger

Bayern's forwards did the notable damage last week, but their defense—shielded by Javi Martinez and Bastian Schweinsteiger—also kept a clean sheet.

Schweinsteiger has been one of the German champions' most consistent performers this season and received praise for his performance in the first leg.

If he reads the game, breaks up play and tackles like he did last week, Barca will struggle to score twice, let alone four (or five) times.

Predicted Teams

Barcelona: Victor Valdes; Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Marc Bartra, Adriano; Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta; Pedro Rodriguez, David Villa, Lionel Messi.

Bayern Munich: Manuel Neuer; Phillip Lahm, Dante, Jerome Boateng, David Alaba; Bastian Schweinsteiger, Luiz Gustavo; Arjen Robben, Thomas Muller, Franck Ribery; Mario Mandzukic