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Barcelona will face a mammoth task in the UEFA Champions League when they take on Bayern Munich for their final group stage game. The European fixture is a do-or-die match for the Catalan giants as they battle Benfica for the second spot in Group E.
Bayern Munich are in a league of their own as they sit at the top of their Champions League group. Despite missing key players, the Bavarians have been in sensational form and have won all five of their games in Europe this season.
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Barcelona, on the other hand, have endured a torrid campaign so far. The Catalan giants occupy the second spot in their Champions League group, having won two, lost two and drawn one game so far. Barcelona are in dire need of a win to confirm their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Barcelona were handed a shock defeat by Real Betis in their previous La Liga game. Xavi's men undoubtedly face an uphill battle against the mighty Bavarians in their own backyard.
On that note, let's take a look at five players who could decide the outcome of Bayern Munich's fixture against Barcelona in the Champions League.
#5 Serge Gnabry | Bayern Munich
Serge Gnabry has become one of the most consistent players at Bayern Munich in the past few campaigns. Besides being technically proficient, the winger is blessed with explosive pace and prolific finishing abilities. He has bagged eight goals and four assists across all competitions so far this campaign.
Gnabry has racked up three goal contributions in four Champions League games so far. The 26-year old can again play a pivotal role against Barcelona with his marauding runs stretching the Blaugrana defense and troubling their full-backs.
Gnabry will surely be a player to watch out for. He can change the complexion of the tie at any moment.
#4 Ronald Araujo | Barcelona
One of Barcelona's most promising assets, Ronald Araujo, is surely proving his worth at the Nou Camp. The Uruguayan defender is now a vital presence in Blaugrana's defense. He is also good with the ball at his feet which is why Xavi prefers him in the starting lineup.
Araujo has been one of the few positives for Barcelona in a disappointing campaign so far. The centre-back will have a huge task on his hands to keep the Bayern Munich forwards quiet. A cleansheet against the Bavarians might pave the way for their qualification into the knockouts of the Champions League.
#3 Thomas Muller | Bayern Munich
Thomas Muller loves big games and facing Barcelona in the Champions League might be the perfect stage for him to demonstrate his might. One of the most versatile and unique footballers in world football, the Raumdeuter continues to be a key player for Bayern Munich.
Muller is showing no signs of slowing down and has racked up an extraordinary number of goal contributions for the Bavarians. With six goals and 15 assists in all competitions, the 32-year old is proving to be the club's chief creator. Barcelona will be wary of Muller's threat when they meet each other tomorrow night.
Muller's penchant for finding and creating space is unmatched. Blessed with tactical intelligence, the German will surely cause a lot of trouble for Barcelona's defense. Like his brace against the Catalan giants which resulted in Barcelona's 8-2 defeat, Muller can decide the outcome of this tie within a blink of an eye.
#2 Memphis Depay | Barcelona
Memphis Depay made a sensational start to the new campaign following his transfer to Barcelona in the summer. The Dutchman significantly increased the much needed teeth to the Blaugrana attack with his pace and wide range of skillset on the flanks.
With eight goals and two assists, Depay has been Barcelona's top scorer so far this campaign. However, the 27-year old has recently endured a few disappointing outings, indicating his low confidence and lack of composure in the final third. He is yet to have any kind of impact in the Champions League.
Despite a slump in form, Depay is still considered to be a huge asset for Barcelona. The winger will likely trouble Bayern Munich with what might be his shot at redemption in Europe. This might be the best way for him to open his account in the Champions League and recover some form.
#1 Robert Lewandowski | Bayern Munich
Robert Lewandowski might have missed out on his first Ballon d’Or but he remains arguably the best forward in football at the moment. The Polish hitman has carried on his blistering form into the new season, bagging a whopping 27 goals this season across all competitions.
Lewandowski has also been a class apart in the Champions League, sharing the top position in the goalscoring charts with Ajax's Sebastien Haller. Nine of his goals have come in just five Champions League games, which is a testament to the 33-year old's unstoppable goal-scoring abilities.
Lewandowski is undoubtedly the biggest threat for Barcelona.
