FCB vs FCB. It really should have been a final. But then, on the positive side, Bayern Munich and Barcelona meeting in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League means, fans of the sport get to see two of the best teams in the world slug it out - and that term is used loosely considering the wonderfully aesthetic style of the two teams -- over 180 minutes in two legs.
Bayern Munich have been unstoppable in the Bundesliga this season, but then so have Barcelona. Both teams have also suffered disappointing losses in the Champions League this year; but like great teams, have found a way through.
The first leg at the Allianz Arena will be the ultimate test for the two. There is no doubt that the tie will not be decided in Germany; it will most definitely go to the Camp Nou, because there is so little to choose between the two sides.
Both teams have an unbelievable starting XI, with each individual capable of winning games on their own. The two teams have an enviable bench as well.
Lionel Messi, after being rested at the weekend, will most definitely start the game, even if he is a little under hundred percent. Unlike PSG, who failed to take complete control of the Messi's absence, Bayern will not fail to take advantage; so Tito Vilanova will not be willing to take a risk.
Bastian Schweinsteiger is Bayern's answer to Barcelona's Xavi, while in Javi Martinez, they have a perfect counter to the excellent Sergio Busquets.
The attacking trio of Arjen Robben, Thomas Muller and Franck Ribery, have been firing goals and assists all season - even if the absence of the injured Toni Kroos will be a big miss. Barca need to counter them with the brilliance of Andres Iniesta and Messi - and there are no two players more capable of doing just that.
The little Argentine is the key; because at the end of the day, he will be the best individual player on the pitch out there and the most likely person to unlock the incredibly stubborn Bayern defence, which, marshalled by the impressive Dante, are superior to that of Barcelona's, especially with the injury problems that the Spanish club are currently facing.
Carles Puyol has been ruled out of both legs, while Javier Mascherano will definitely miss the first 90 minutes.
That leaves Vilanova with the option of either playing youth team member Marc Bartra or Eric Abidal, who started for the first time in over a year in La Liga at the weekend, with fullback Adriano suspended.
Schweinsteiger is expected to shake off a hamstring injury, while Mario Mandzukic is suspended.
Barcelona will do well to dominate possession like they always do in almost every single game. Bayern's ability to hang onto the ball might not be as honed as Barca's, but they are pretty damn good at it as well.
"The key to the tie will be having the ball. They're excellent with the ball," Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas told the club's official website.
Barcelona will also come up against a Bayern side in a ruthless streak, having just dispatched Hannover 6-1, with the Bundesliga title having been sealed a couple of weeks earlier, in emphatic style.
It promises to be an absorbing and fascinating tie, with so many individual battles that could eventually have a huge impact on the final result. As they say, may the best team win.
Expected lineups: Bayern Munich: Neuer; Lahm, Van Buyten, Dante, Alaba; Martinez, Schweinsteiger; Robben, Muller, Ribery; Gomez.
Barcelona: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Bartra, Alba; Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta; Pedro, Messi, Villa.
Prediction: 2-1 to Bayern Munich
