Five reasons to believe in Barcelona's Champions League miracle
Plzen, Bayern and Inter will all have a say in Barça's future this week
FC Barcelona face Bayern Munich on Wednesday (Camp Nou, 9:00 p.m.) in one of the most difficult games of the 2022/23 season. Firstly, because of Bayern's quality. The German champions have been Barça's 'black beast' for the last seven years. Secondly, because it could be the case that at the time of the match, Xavi Hernández's team is already eliminated from the Champions League if Inter Milan defeat Viktoria Plzen in the game that will be played at the Giuseppe Meazza at 6:45 p.m.
Despite the fact that the panorama is 'Dark Blue, Almost Black', as the title of the film says, Barça's squad and coaching staff are obliged to convey to the fans the message that it is still possible to reach the round of 16 of final of the Champions League.
These are five arguments that Xavi and the club can use to convince themselves and convey that the 'miracle' is possible. Some arguments that have an expiration date of 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, but that may be over half an hour before Barça-Bayern:
One of Viktoria's stars is in goal
The starting goalkeeper, Jindrik Stanek, is one of Viktoria Plzen's most outstanding footballers. Despite the goals that the team has conceded in the current Champions League, such as the 5-1 loss at Camp Nou, Stanek maintains good statistics: he has kept a clean sheet in seven of the 19 games he has played this season and has conceded 19 goals (1.6 on average).
Those stats improve when you focus on the league (five clean sheets in 10 games played, seven goals against); or in the qualifying phase for the Champions League (two clean sheets in six games played, four goals conceded). Why can't Stanek experience his big night at the Giuseppe Meazza and force a goalless draw?
Viktoria have scored in the Champions League
Viktoria have suffered four resounding defeats in the Champions League group stage, but they were able to score one goal against Barça (Jan Sykora) on the first day (5-1) and two against Bayern Munich (Adam Vlkanova and Jan Kliment ) on matchday four (2-4).
In the qualifying phase, Viktoria scored 13 goals in six games (five wins and a draw) and only failed to score in the 0-0 against Qarabag in the first leg of the last qualifying round.
Goalkeeping instability at Inter
Samir Handanovic and André Onana have shared ownership of the goalkeeping position at Inter because they have not been able to provide the necessary security. Inter have accumulated five defeats and one draw in their 15 official matches in the 2022/23 season, and one of the causes for that is defensive instability. The 'Nerazzurri' have conceded goals in 10 of their 15 games and, in total, they have conceded 22 goals (1.5 per game on average).
Handanovic has been a starter in the first eight matches in Serie A, conceding 13 goals that cost Inter 4 defeats. He only managed two clean sheets. Onana started as the Champions League goalkeeper for Simone Inzaghi and for three games, he has also been a starter in the league. In seven games, he has conceded nine goals and only has three clean sheets.
Lewandowski, 'Pichihi' in the Champions League
Robert Lewandowski is the star of Xavi's new Barça. The Polish striker galvanises the hopes of the Barça team because he is their top scorer (17 goals in all competitions) and he is the only one who maintains his form in the Champions League: with 5 goals, Lewandowski heads the Pichichi in Europe along with Erling Haaland (Manchester City) and Mohamed Salah (Liverpool).
In addition, it is undeniable that, if there is a certain spirit of 'vendetta' at Bayern due to the forced transfer of Lewy to Camp Nou, it is also a challenge for Robert to better his former team, after the bad taste in his mouth that was left in his mouth at the Allianz Arena (2-0) when he was unable to make a difference.
Bayern injuries and already through
Bayern Munich are a super team with a super squad. Despite everything, though, they will arrive at Camp Nou missing some important players. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is suffering from a shoulder injury and Leroy Sané is also injured. Thomas Müller, who has accumulated several physical problems in recent weeks, although nothing serious, will also arrive lacking rhythm.
On the other hand, Bayern also arrive at Camp Nou with their homework done. Only their unwavering competitive spirit and a certain desire for revenge on Barça can be the fuel to seek victory on Wednesday.
