Barcelona vs Bayern Munich: Combined XI ahead of UCL matchday 3 clash

The biggest fixture of matchday three of the Champions League is undoubtedly the one between European giants FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Both teams are on top of their respective leagues and have played some of the most entertaining and dominant football this season. The numbers suggest the same with Bayern having scored a whopping 24 goals in 7 games while Barcelona have an equally respectable 33 in 10.

Both teams field some of the most talented players in Europe, so let’s try to fit them inside a combined XI.

Formation: 4–3–3

Attack

LW: Raphinha

Raphinha goes above and beyond what is usually expected from an attacking player. Whether it’s high pressing, engaging in duels, or helping out in the midfield, the Brazilian does it all. After two inconsistent seasons at the Catalan club, he finally seems to have been unleashed under new coach Hansi Flick.

ST: Harry Kane 

There aren’t many harder tasks than having to choose between Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski, who have been two of the most in-form strikers in Europe. The difference between the two ultimately comes down to Kane’s better goals per 90 ratio this season (1.46) than his Polish counterpart(1.31). Kane also has a better assist tally (4) than the Blaugrana striker (2).

RW: Lamine Yamal

As good as Michale Olise has been for Bayern, the right-wing spot has to go to the precocious Lamine Yamal who has taken the world of football by storm with performances for club and country. The 17-year-old has five goals and six assists to his name so far this season. Often the key difference maker in Barca games, he will look to give Alphonso Davies a hard time down the right flank on Wednesday.