FC Barcelona vs Bayern Munich – Combined XI

Barcelona meet Bayern Munich in the Champions League this evening, as two star-studded squads collide in continental competition.

Ahead of the clash in Catalonia, we’ve picked our Combined XI from the two teams.

Barcelona vs Bayern Munich – Combined XI

Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer – Bayern Munich

Manuel Neuer starts in goal with the German great continuing to deny top forwards at home and in Europe. The 38-year-old has seen – and won – it all with Bayern and will be a big presence in the club’s hopes of honours this season.

A certainty for this side, with Marc-André ter Stegen ruled out for the season for Barcelona. Iñaki Peña will deputise in goal, despite the signing of Wojciech Szczęsny.

Right-back: Jules Kounde – Barcelona

Inclusion in the La Liga Team of the Season at Sevilla and Barcelona demonstrates that Kounde has been one of Spanish football’s most consistent defenders in recent campaigns.

He has formed an impressive understanding with Lamine Yamal down the right, where he has offered marauding attacking support. With pace, anticipation and long-distance distribution, he’s a fantastic full-back.

Centre-back: Kim Min-jae – Bayern Munich

Kim Min-jae has bounced back from a tough first season at Bayern to produce some impressive performances under Vincent Kompany. Excellent in the air, quick across the ground, and a progressive passer, he has looked like the player who helped end Napoli’s long await for the Serie A title in 2023.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi – Barcelona

Pau Cubarsi should not be this good at this age. Centre-backs tend to get better with age, with lessons learned in reading the game and better decisions on the ball. Already, Cubarsi is performing with the maturity of a player 10 years his senior, boasts an excellent passing repertoire, and a composure that defies his 17 years.

Left-back: Alphonso Davies – Bayern Munich

Alphonso Davies might have struggled to consistently deliver the explosive performances of his Bayern breakthrough, but the Canadian remains one of the most exciting full-backs in Europe. His ability to carry the ball forward at rapid pace offers real transition threat, while he has the speed to match almost any winger in opposition.

Midfield: Joshua Kimmich – Bayern Munich

Bayern’s best football runs through Kimmich who leads the Bundesliga for touches and through balls this season, while ranking second for passes into the final third and progressive passes.

After almost a decade of consistent quality at the Allianz Arena, his expiring contract is a situation that needs resolving.

Midfield: Jamal Musiala – Bayern Munich

Jamal Musiala is reportedly ready to return for Bayern Munich on Wednesday night in a huge boost to the visitors. The Germany international is capable of opening up defences with his manipulation of the ball through traffic and sharp changes of direction. A wonderful footballer to watch when in the mood.

Right-wing: Lamine Yamal – Barcelona

Michael Olise has hit the ground running at Bayern Munich, but there are few right-wingers anywhere as good as the preciously gifted Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old is a sensation and has built on a summer where he celebrated success with Spain at Euro 2024.

Yamal has five goals and six assists in all competitions, leads Europe’s top five leagues for goal-creating actions and ranks second for successful take-ons. The teenager is special.

Left-wing: Raphinha – Barcelona

After two mixed seasons in Spain, Raphinha has been a revelation under Hansi Flick. The Brazilian has mixed high-intensity running with end product, and appears a player filled with confidence under the new head coach.

He has five goals and five assists in 10 La Liga games, including a hat-trick against Real Valladolid in August.

Forward: Harry Kane – Bayern Munich

Harry Kane signed for Bayern Munich in search of honours and while team trophies proved elusive in season one – the goals did not.

Kane slammed home 44 goals in all competitions last season to win the European Golden Shoe and has picked up where he left off this time around. He’s averaged better than a goal-per-game since swapping the Premier League for Bavaria.

Forward: Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona

A formidable front pairing of Bayern strikers past and present. Lewandowski will face his former side this evening, seeking to down the club where he scored 344 goals in 375 appearances.

He moved to Barcelona in search of a new challenge in 2022 and the goals have continued to flow. Lewandowski won La Liga and The Pichichi Trophy during his debut campaign and has netted 73 times in 107 games. At 36, he’s shown few signs of slowing down.

Read – Can Barcelona end their Bayern Munich nightmare? 

See more – Five of the best players to play for Barcelona and Bayern Munich

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