Champions League: Bayern’s Upamecano and Hernández to stop Lewandowski

Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Hernández are supposed to stop their ex-colleague Robert Lewandowski in FC Bayern’s Champions League game against FC Barcelona in Munich.

Coach Julian Nagelsmann opted for this duo in the center of defence, who know the world footballer very well from many training sessions together. Newcomer Matthijs de Ligt is on the bench.

On the offensive, Nagelsmann relies on the quartet with birthday child Thomas Müller (33), Sadio Mané, Leroy Sané and Jamal Musiala. At Barcelona, ​​Lewandowski is of course the focus in the sold-out Allianz Arena. The 34-year-old Pole fought for his transfer from FC Bayern to the Catalans in the summer.

In the top game of Group C, there is also an attractive comparison between the German national goalkeepers Manuel Neuer and Marc-André ter Stegen. Both teams had started the premier class with a win.

Applause for Lewandowski

Lewandowski was greeted with great applause on his return to Munich. While warming up, the Barcelona striker clapped demonstratively in the direction of the spectators in the Allianz Arena, who also applauded him. The 34-year-old Pole had previously hugged some substitute players from his ex-club in the cabin aisle, such as Serge Gnabry.

Lewandowski switched from the German record champions to Barcelona in the summer after many successful years and a change of theater. “Lewy is the best striker in the world in the penalty area,” said Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann before kick-off on Amazon Prime Video, emphasizing: “You should always give a friendly welcome to former employees, regardless of their position and role.” Sports director Hasan Salihamidzic saw it similarly: “The fans have a good sense of what Robert has done for Bayern.”