Bayern Munich vs Barcelona: History, form, key battles and stats

Check out out audio slideshow above, where Pulasta Dhar quizzes Sports Editor Ashish Magotra, Daily Mail journalist Adam Shergold and Barcelona enthusiast Kartik Mhatre on the big game tonight.

Kick-off at 0015 tonight (technically Wednesday)

HISTORY

The two teams have played six times, with Bayern winning three of these. Barcelona have won once and there have been two draws. Their last match was a 1-1 draw in April 2009.

FORM

Bayern Munich: W-L-W-W-W-W-W-W-W-W

Barcelona: L-W-W-W-D-D-W-D-W-W

Includes all competitions

KEY PLAYER BATTLES

Van Buyten/Dante vs Lionel Messi: Even though Barcelona have been tight-lipped about Messi playing in the match or not, we think we certainly will. Also, rather than operating from the left - where he will come up against the brilliant David Alaba, Messi would rather attract the attention of Bayern’s centre-backs. While Van Buyten has the advantage of strength over him, it will the acrobatic Dante who will need to mark him tight. Messi, with a niggle, may not be at his fittest, but he’s still the world’s best player.

Javi Martinez vs Andres Iniesta: The match will the world’s two best defensive midfielders in Martinez and Sergio Busquets, and it’s the former who can be credited with Bayern’s incredible defensive record this season. Iniesta, who plays slightly ahead of Xavi these days, will be against his national teammate and while he’s the trickster, Martinez’s aerial prowess and power will go a long way in thwarting the supply to him.

Bastian Schweinsteiger vs Xavi: Schweinsteiger is Bayern’s fulcrum, just like Xavi is Barcelona’s. While both are expected to flourish despite being the most watched players on the field, it will come down to that one pass, that one shot and that one move from either that could make the difference.

Thomas Muller vs Sergio Busquets: Muller, often overlooked as a goal threat, is actually the most dangerous player they possess. He’s scored 21 goals and created another 18 goals this season, and will challenge Busquets’ authority in defensive midfield.

Franck Ribery vs Dani Alves: Ribery has just one Champions League goals, but if there’s one thing he will manage to do - it’s keeping Alves from making those runs forward. With Bayern playing at home, the right-back should focus on defending rather than bombing forward. He has one goal and an assist in the UCL this season.

DID YOU KNOW?

- Barcelona have never won away against Bayern Munich (two draws, one defeat).

- Barcelona have reached the Champions League semi-finals for the sixth consecutive season, a record in the history of the competition. This is the third time in the last four seasons that Bayern Munich have reached the same stage.

- Bayern have won 17 of their last 20 Champions League games played at the Allianz Arena. This stat involves last year’s final held at the same venue.

- They’ve not kept a clean sheet in their last 12 European games at home against Spanish teams.

- Bayern have always scored at home in the Champions League against Spanish opposition (13 games, 25 goals).

- Vulnerable? Maybe — Barcelona have won only one of their last five Champions League games (three draws, one defeat). They’re still in the last four, however.

- It may just be Bayern’s night — Barcelona have only won three of their last 15 away games in the knockout stages of the UCL.

- Barcelona have had 56 shots on target in the Champions League this season, the lowest tally among the four semi-finalists.

- Barcelona (7,220) have completed 2,555 more passes than Bayern Munich (4,665).

- Bayern have had 202 crosses from open play (20.2 per game), the highest tally this season.

- With four goals and two assists, Messi has been directly involved in six of Barcelona’s eight away goals.