Matchday one of the UEFA Champions League is this week, and one of the marquee matchups is Bayern Munich against FC Barcelona. It’s the first time these two clubs have met since the German club put eight goals on the Spanish side in the 2020 quarterfinals. 

Bayern Munich midfielder Thomas Müller stated ahead of the match against Barcelona that it is a pity that the team no longer has Lionel Messi on its squad. 

“In general, it is a pity that he is gone. When you play against a team that has Lionel Messi, it is something that gives additional motivation to all because we all know what he has achieved,” Müller said to the media, where Marca relayed his comments. 

Müller admitted, on the other hand, that it is difficult for him to admire Barcelona without Messi and commented that he does not know what anticipates Bayern Munich at the Camp Nou this week.

“I have to admit that currently, I cannot value Barcelona. Without a doubt, without Messi, it will now be another team,” Müller said.

“I do not know if they need it. It is possible that without Messi, they will have one more player who makes defensive contributions. I do not know what awaits us. In any case, a wonderful stadium against a great club.”

Barcelona has been one of Müller’s favorite rivals in his career. In Bayern Munich’s 8-2 victory in Lisbon, the 32-year-old scored two goals, completing six goals in five official matches against Barcelona. The Germany international will look to add to his goal total versus the La Liga club. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Red Sox lose yet another player to injury
Corey Heim dominates at Gateway for fourth Truck Series win of 2024 season
Former NFL GM has huge praise for Packers QB Jordan Love
Celtics HC shares Kristaps Porzingis update ahead of NBA Finals
Real Madrid defeats Borussia Dortmund 2-0 to win Champions League
Drake Maye reportedly being treated as Patriots' QB3
Veteran 1B rejects outright assignment, elects free agency
Giannis Antetokounmpo to play for Greece in Olympic qualifier
Padres lose two top pitchers to injured list on same day
Fever announce remarkable attendance milestone in fifth 2024 home game
Senators reportedly undecided on qualifying defenseman
Lamar Jackson's curious offseason decision costing him significant money
Blue Jays two-time All-Star pitcher lands on IL for second time this season
Lakers set to benefit from Pelicans’ NBA Draft decision
One rookie quarterback is showing 'elite downfield accuracy' during OTAs
Drew Brees thinks he could be NFL’s best broadcaster
Rangers star second baseman hopes rest helps neck issue
Dodgers designate veteran pitcher for assignment after disastrous outing
Christian Yelich ties Brewers franchise record held by Paul Molitor
Jalen Brunson claps back at tiredness narrative after Knicks' playoff exit

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.