UEFA Women’s Champions League Preview: FC Bayern Frauen vs. FC Barcelona Femení

FC Bayern and Barcelona will lock horns in the Women’s Champions League semi-final after they win their respective leagues in midweek. The Frauen-Bundesliga side secured the title for the seventh time in their history, while it’s Barcelona’s seventh successive Liga F triumph.

Seven was also the story of the night when the two teams met in the brand new league phase of the Champions League. Pere Romeu’s side won the game 7-1 with an efficient performance at Johan Cruyff Stadium.

Bayern have won all but one game in all competitions since that (in)famous fixture in the first week of October. A 3-2 win away at Union Berlin sealed a fourth successive Frauen-Bundesliga title for the Bavarians on Wednesday.

Barcelona were also confirmed as Liga F champions on the same night after a 4-1 derby victory against Espanyol with a rotated lineup. The European giants are keen to put last season’s disappointment behind them as they lost on a third straight victory following the narrow defeat to Arsenal.

The holders will host OL Lyonnes at the Emirates Stadium in the other semi-final on Sunday. José Bordalás’ side will also enjoy the big support of Allianz Arena as Bayern will play at the men’s stadium for the third time in the competition this season.

Bayern were victorious in both of the previous occasions against WSL opponents, Arsenal and Manchester United. Ivana Martinčić, who was the referee for last season’s final in Lisbon, is assigned for Saturday’s game. The return leg will be played at Camp Nou on May 3rd.

Team News

Long-term absentees Sarah Zadrazil, Lena Oberdorf, Jovana Damnjanović, and Alara Şehitler are certainly out of the game for the hosts. However, Klara Bühl and Guila Gwinn marked their returns in the win that secured the title at Stadion An der Alten Försterei.

Similarly, Barcelona's duo Aitana Bonmatí and Laia Aleixandri are out of the game with serious injuries.

Predicted Lineups

Bayern: Mahmutovic; Gwinn, Viggósdóttir ©, Gilles, Kett; Kakounan, Stanway; Dallmann, Tanikawa, Bühl; Harder

Barcelona: Coll; Battle, Paredes, León, Brugts; López, Guijarro, Putellas ©; Hansen, Pajor, Pina