Raphinha scored a stunning hat-trick as Barcelona hammered Bayern Munich 4-1 on Wednesday in a blockbuster Champions’ League group clash.

The Catalans had lost their last six games against Bayern but outplayed the six-time winners at the Olympic Stadium with Robert Lewandowski also on the scoresheet, while England star Harry Kane struck for the visitors.

Hansi Flick, who was in charge of the Bundesliga side in a humiliating 8-2 romp over Barca in 2020, led the Catalans to an emphatic triumph which indicated they may be capable of winning the trophy for the first time since 2015 after a decade of disappointment.

Defeat leaves Bayern with only one victory from their opening three group games and in the bottom half of the table, while Barcelona have two wins and are in the top third.

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"In my opinion this game could have been a (Champions League) final, to be able to win it in this way, so well, in front of our fans, is quite special and I leave here happy," Raphinha told Movistar. "Getting the second victory in the Champions League was important and now we have to think about the game on Saturday."

Barcelona visit European and Spanish champions Real Madrid in a La Liga Clasico this weekend and warmed up for it in spectacular style.

"If you win this type of game you have to celebrate it, and for the team it's incredible," said Flick. "It gives us confidence to believe in ourselves ahead of Saturday."

Barcelona had not scored in their last four matches against Bayern but were ahead inside one minute, with Fermin Lopez playing Raphinha in behind the visitors' high line.

The Brazilian winger, on his 100th appearance for the club since joining from Leeds, and proudly sporting the captain's armband, stayed cool to dribble around Manuel Neuer and roll home.

Bayern poured forward in response and after having a goal ruled out for a tight offside, Kane struck in the 18th minute to level.

The striker finished acrobatically from Serge Gnabry's inviting cross with Barcelona's defence all at sea.

<h2>Relentless Raphinha</h2>

Barcelona recovered their composure and began to threaten, with former Bayern striker Lewandowski firing wide and Lamine Yamal sliding in to tackle Neuer but seeing the ball roll beyond the post.

Joshua Kimmich was booked for taking out Lopez, who was charging into space in Bayern territory.

The Barcelona midfielder, a ball of energy, created his team's second for Lewandowski. Lopez left Kim Min-jae for dead with a clever nudge, which Bayern complained about to no avail, before knocking the ball across for Lewandowski to turn home.

The veteran Polish striker, 36, has been the chief beneficiary of Flick's arrival after struggling last season and now has 15 goals in 13 appearances.

The unstoppable Raphinha rattled home a superb third before the interval, driving into the area after Marc Casado spread the play out to the left flank and arcing a shot through Dayot Upamecano's legs and beyond the reach of Neuer at full stretch.

Raphinha completed his hat-trick 10 minutes into the second half, controlling Yamal's ambitious pass brilliantly on his chest while on the sprint, before planting a rasping effort into the bottom right corner from the edge of the box.

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany reacted with a quadruple substitution, bringing on four household names in Jamal Musiala, Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sane and Leon Goretzka.

At 4-1 up Barcelona's fans began to cheer their team's passes as Bayern chased the ball.

"For the fans, I think it was revenge," said Raphinha, looking back at Barca's defeats by Bayern. "As a fan I suffered through those games too."

The winger was thrown up in the air by his team-mates at full-time, clutching his match ball.

Having not reached the Champions League semi-finals since 2019, belief is starting to grow in Catalonia that Flick could help restore their position among Europe's elite.

Bayern, semi-finalists last season, were left licking their wounds.

"The whole team gave 100 percent. So, there's no question about effort, but 100 percent was not enough today," admitted Kompany. "(In the first half) it felt like we could edge this game, that it could turn for us.

"But in key moments we got outdone and for that reason the result is fairly heavy."

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Raphinha scored a stunning hat-trick as Barcelona hammered Bayern Munich 4-1 on Wednesday in a blockbuster Champions’ League group clash. The Catalans had lost their last six games against Bayern but outplayed the six-time winners at the Olympic Stadium with Robert Lewandowski also on the scoresheet, while England star Harry Kane struck for the visitors.

Raphinha scored a stunning hat-trick as Barcelona hammered Bayern Munich 4-1 on Wednesday in a blockbuster Champions’ League group clash. The Catalans had lost their last six games against Bayern but outplayed the six-time winners at the Olympic Stadium with Robert Lewandowski also on the scoresheet, while England star Harry Kane struck for the visitors. Hansi Flick, who was in charge of the Bundesliga side in a humiliating 8-2 romp over Barca in 2020, led the Catalans to an emphatic triumph which indicated they may be capable of winning the trophy for the first time since 2015 after a decade of disappointment. Defeat leaves Bayern with only one victory from their opening three group games and in the bottom half of the table, while Barcelona have two wins and are in the top third. ALSO READ: La Liga: Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo injured, set to miss key Clasico clash "In my opinion this game could have been a (Champions League) final, to be able to win it in this way, so well, in front of our fans, is quite special and I leave here happy," Raphinha told Movistar. "Getting the second victory in the Champions League was important and now we have to think about the game on Saturday." Barcelona visit European and Spanish champions Real Madrid in a La Liga Clasico this weekend and warmed up for it in spectacular style. "If you win this type of game you have to celebrate it, and for the team it's incredible," said Flick. "It gives us confidence to believe in ourselves ahead of Saturday." Barcelona had not scored in their last four matches against Bayern but were ahead inside one minute, with Fermin Lopez playing Raphinha in behind the visitors' high line. The Brazilian winger, on his 100th appearance for the club since joining from Leeds, and proudly sporting the captain's armband, stayed cool to dribble around Manuel Neuer and roll home. Bayern poured forward in response and after having a goal ruled out for a tight offside, Kane struck in the 18th minute to level. The striker finished acrobatically from Serge Gnabry's inviting cross with Barcelona's defence all at sea. Relentless Raphinha Barcelona recovered their composure and began to threaten, with former Bayern striker Lewandowski firing wide and Lamine Yamal sliding in to tackle Neuer but seeing the ball roll beyond the post. Joshua Kimmich was booked for taking out Lopez, who was charging into space in Bayern territory. The Barcelona midfielder, a ball of energy, created his team's second for Lewandowski. Lopez left Kim Min-jae for dead with a clever nudge, which Bayern complained about to no avail, before knocking the ball across for Lewandowski to turn home. The veteran Polish striker, 36, has been the chief beneficiary of Flick's arrival after struggling last season and now has 15 goals in 13 appearances. The unstoppable Raphinha rattled home a superb third before the interval, driving into the area after Marc Casado spread the play out to the left flank and arcing a shot through Dayot Upamecano's legs and beyond the reach of Neuer at full stretch. Raphinha completed his hat-trick 10 minutes into the second half, controlling Yamal's ambitious pass brilliantly on his chest while on the sprint, before planting a rasping effort into the bottom right corner from the edge of the box. Bayern coach Vincent Kompany reacted with a quadruple substitution, bringing on four household names in Jamal Musiala, Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sane and Leon Goretzka. At 4-1 up Barcelona's fans began to cheer their team's passes as Bayern chased the ball. "For the fans, I think it was revenge," said Raphinha, looking back at Barca's defeats by Bayern. "As a fan I suffered through those games too." The winger was thrown up in the air by his team-mates at full-time, clutching his match ball. Having not reached the Champions League semi-finals since 2019, belief is starting to grow in Catalonia that Flick could help restore their position among Europe's elite. Bayern, semi-finalists last season, were left licking their wounds. "The whole team gave 100 percent. So, there's no question about effort, but 100 percent was not enough today," admitted Kompany. "(In the first half) it felt like we could edge this game, that it could turn for us. "But in key moments we got outdone and for that reason the result is fairly heavy." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Barcelona romps Bayern Munich in blockbuster Champions League clash

Barcelona will be eager to show everyone that they are better than rivals Bayern Munich when the two teams face off in the Champions League on Wednesday, manager Xavi Hernandez said.

Barcelona were beaten 2-0 by Bayern in last month's Group C fixture, a result that Xavi said was not a true reflection of the team's talent.

But having won only one of their four matches in Europe this season, Xavi wants his team to show their true worth at Camp Nou on Wednesday.

"We have to show ourselves that even if we are knocked out (of the Champions League) we are a good team and we can compete against the best teams out there," Xavi told a news conference on Tuesday.

"That game in Munich was a disgrace because we deserved much more. That was an accident because we lacked the final touch.

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Even though Barcelona had more possession than Bayern and outshot them 18-13, the German side scored twice in four minutes against the run of play to secure the win.

Barca's indifferent form in the competition has left them in danger of being eliminated early in the competition as they are third in the standings with four points, eight points behind leaders Bayern and three behind second-placed Inter Milan with two group matches remaining.

Inter host bottom-placed Viktoria Plzen, who have yet to score a point, in the other group fixture on Wednesday.

If the Italians win, they would qualify for the last 16 and knock out Barca thanks to a better head-to-head record. Bayern have already secured their place in the next round.

"Regardless of what happens in Milan, we have to win. We have to play as if only our game matters, to show that we are better than Bayern," said Xavi.

"I don't like to talk about miracles... we have a small hope. Though we are in a very uncomfortable situation.

"The numbers are all against us. But ... unexpected things can happen."

Barcelona, who also exited the tournament following the group stage last season, suffered another setback when they were handed a 3-1 defeat by Real Madrid in this month's El Clasico.

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Xavi said that he and his players will watch the Inter game together in the changing room, but refused to send a message to the Viktoria Plzen players ahead of the match.

"I already have too much in hand to start playing the coach of other teams," Xavi laughed.

"We have not been at the level that we wanted in some games. I have the feeling that we (at times we) had it in our hands and now it is not up to us. So we are facing this situation only because of our own mistakes."

Barcelona will be eager to show everyone that they are better than rivals Bayern Munich when the two teams face off in the Champions League on Wednesday, manager Xavi Hernandez said.

Barcelona will be eager to show everyone that they are better than rivals Bayern Munich when the two teams face off in the Champions League on Wednesday, manager Xavi Hernandez said. Barcelona were beaten 2-0 by Bayern in last month's Group C fixture, a result that Xavi said was not a true reflection of the team's talent. But having won only one of their four matches in Europe this season, Xavi wants his team to show their true worth at Camp Nou on Wednesday. "We have to show ourselves that even if we are knocked out (of the Champions League) we are a good team and we can compete against the best teams out there," Xavi told a news conference on Tuesday. "That game in Munich was a disgrace because we deserved much more. That was an accident because we lacked the final touch. Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo returns to first-team training after serving punishment for Tottenham Hotspur walkout Even though Barcelona had more possession than Bayern and outshot them 18-13, the German side scored twice in four minutes against the run of play to secure the win. Barca's indifferent form in the competition has left them in danger of being eliminated early in the competition as they are third in the standings with four points, eight points behind leaders Bayern and three behind second-placed Inter Milan with two group matches remaining. Inter host bottom-placed Viktoria Plzen, who have yet to score a point, in the other group fixture on Wednesday. If the Italians win, they would qualify for the last 16 and knock out Barca thanks to a better head-to-head record. Bayern have already secured their place in the next round. "Regardless of what happens in Milan, we have to win. We have to play as if only our game matters, to show that we are better than Bayern," said Xavi. "I don't like to talk about miracles... we have a small hope. Though we are in a very uncomfortable situation. "The numbers are all against us. But ... unexpected things can happen." Barcelona, who also exited the tournament following the group stage last season, suffered another setback when they were handed a 3-1 defeat by Real Madrid in this month's El Clasico. Also Read: Man City boss Pep Guardiola warns Erling Haaland to lay off the carbs during World Cup break Xavi said that he and his players will watch the Inter game together in the changing room, but refused to send a message to the Viktoria Plzen players ahead of the match. "I already have too much in hand to start playing the coach of other teams," Xavi laughed. "We have not been at the level that we wanted in some games. I have the feeling that we (at times we) had it in our hands and now it is not up to us. So we are facing this situation only because of our own mistakes."

Champions League: Barcelona out to prove they are better than Bayern Munich, says head coach Xavi

Bayern Munich will welcome Robert Lewandowski's Barcelona to the Allianz Arena on Tuesday, hoping to jolt themselves out of a poor run of Bundesliga form. Despite Wednesday's impressive 2-0 win at Inter Milan, Bayern have drawn three games in a row and sit in the unfamiliar position of third place after six matches.&nbsp;

While Bayern have not struggled to find the back of the net this season with 31 goals in nine games, they have missed Lewandowski's penetration at crucial moments in recent weeks.&nbsp;Lewandowski has had a dominant start to life in Spain, scoring six times in five La Liga matches for Barcelona to sit in his usual spot atop the goalscoring charts.&nbsp;

With four wins and a draw, Barcelona are unbeaten in the league and sit second behind Real Madrid.&nbsp;In the Champions League, Lewandowski opened his account with a hat-trick in Barcelona's 5-1 home win against Viktoria Plzen.&nbsp;

Speaking directly after their 2-2 home draw with Stuttgart on Saturday, Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said his team knew better than most the kind of damage Lewandowski could inflict.&nbsp;

"We have been warned," Salihamidzic said about his former striker's form for his new club.&nbsp;

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Bayern have a strong recent Champions League record against Barcelona, with two 3-0 wins last season along with an 8-2 quarter-final thumping on the way to winning the 2020 title.&nbsp;

The six-time European champions are however fully aware that this Barcelona side is stronger than some of the recent incarnations.

"Worried? I don't know (about that)," Salihamidzic said on Saturday when asked if his side were fearful ahead of Barca's visit.&nbsp;

"We have to shift up two gears, even three against Barcelona.

"Barcelona have top players, play good football (and) 'Lewa' is up front, he uses every opportunity."&nbsp;

Manager Julian Nagelsmann said his side's Bundesliga form will not change the preparation for Tuesday's game.&nbsp;

"I approach the week the way I would have done it if we had won," Nagelsmann said on Saturday.&nbsp;

"We're trying to come up with a good idea for Barcelona, which will be difficult.&nbsp;

"I would have done the same thing if we had won 4-0 today."

After his side's 2-0 win over Inter, Nagelsmann said his side were "looking forward" to taking on the man who scored 344 goals in 375 Bayern appearances.

"I am looking forward to it (the reunion with Lewandowski). Not so much as an opponent because he's very dangerous, but as a person I will be pleased to see him."

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Nagelsmann said he hoped fans would welcome Lewandowski back warmly, despite the acrimonious nature of his departure.

"I hope the fans will honour that too, regardless of how things were with his departure."

Bayern forward Thomas Mueller, who said he was "mad at ourselves for the first time this season" after the draw with Stuttgart, said he was happy for the focus to shift away from his side's domestic problems.&nbsp;

"We're really looking forward to the duel - not just because of Robert," Mueller said.&nbsp;

"It's a meeting at the summit in the group."

Bayern Munich will welcome Robert Lewandowski's Barcelona to the Allianz Arena on Tuesday, hoping to jolt themselves out of a poor run of Bundesliga form. Despite Wednesday's impressive 2-0 win at Inter Milan, Bayern have drawn three games in a row and sit in the unfamiliar position of third place after six matches.

Bayern Munich will welcome Robert Lewandowski's Barcelona to the Allianz Arena on Tuesday, hoping to jolt themselves out of a poor run of Bundesliga form. Despite Wednesday's impressive 2-0 win at Inter Milan, Bayern have drawn three games in a row and sit in the unfamiliar position of third place after six matches. While Bayern have not struggled to find the back of the net this season with 31 goals in nine games, they have missed Lewandowski's penetration at crucial moments in recent weeks. Lewandowski has had a dominant start to life in Spain, scoring six times in five La Liga matches for Barcelona to sit in his usual spot atop the goalscoring charts. With four wins and a draw, Barcelona are unbeaten in the league and sit second behind Real Madrid. In the Champions League, Lewandowski opened his account with a hat-trick in Barcelona's 5-1 home win against Viktoria Plzen. Speaking directly after their 2-2 home draw with Stuttgart on Saturday, Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said his team knew better than most the kind of damage Lewandowski could inflict. "We have been warned," Salihamidzic said about his former striker's form for his new club. Also Read: Real Madrid come from behind to beat Mallorca 4-1 to return atop Bayern have a strong recent Champions League record against Barcelona, with two 3-0 wins last season along with an 8-2 quarter-final thumping on the way to winning the 2020 title. The six-time European champions are however fully aware that this Barcelona side is stronger than some of the recent incarnations. "Worried? I don't know (about that)," Salihamidzic said on Saturday when asked if his side were fearful ahead of Barca's visit. "We have to shift up two gears, even three against Barcelona. "Barcelona have top players, play good football (and) 'Lewa' is up front, he uses every opportunity." Manager Julian Nagelsmann said his side's Bundesliga form will not change the preparation for Tuesday's game. "I approach the week the way I would have done it if we had won," Nagelsmann said on Saturday. "We're trying to come up with a good idea for Barcelona, which will be difficult. "I would have done the same thing if we had won 4-0 today." After his side's 2-0 win over Inter, Nagelsmann said his side were "looking forward" to taking on the man who scored 344 goals in 375 Bayern appearances. "I am looking forward to it (the reunion with Lewandowski). Not so much as an opponent because he's very dangerous, but as a person I will be pleased to see him." Also Read: 'Devastated that my time at Chelsea has come to an end'- Thomas Tuchel reacts after being sacked Nagelsmann said he hoped fans would welcome Lewandowski back warmly, despite the acrimonious nature of his departure. "I hope the fans will honour that too, regardless of how things were with his departure." Bayern forward Thomas Mueller, who said he was "mad at ourselves for the first time this season" after the draw with Stuttgart, said he was happy for the focus to shift away from his side's domestic problems. "We're really looking forward to the duel - not just because of Robert," Mueller said. "It's a meeting at the summit in the group."

'We've been warned': Bayern Munich wary ahead of Lewandowski reunion in Champions League

Barcelona crashed out of the Champions League following a 3-0 defeat at Bayern Munich on Wednesday, failing to make it past the group stage of the competition for the first time since the 2000-01 season.

First-half goals from Thomas Mueller and Leroy Sane put the Germans, who won all six matches to top Group E, firmly in the driving seat before Jamal Musiala tapped in the third just past the hour.

Barcelona had advanced to at least the round of 16 every time they competed in the Champions League since 2001 but will continue in the second tier Europa League after ending up third in the group. Benfica qualified as group runners-up with a win over bottom club Dynamo Kyiv.

Barca, who made not a single chance in the second half and scored just twice in six group games, have lost their last two matches in all competitions following new coach Xavi`s first defeat in charge of the side by Real Betis on Saturday.

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"Bayern were better, superior," Xavi said. "This is the harsh reality we have to face. I have told players that this is a turning-point. Today a new era begins and we have to take Barca where it deserves which is not the Europa League.

"I am frustrated because this is our reality. We start from scratch and we have to get Barca back to fighting for the Champions League. I now feel responsible. Now we have to go out and win the Europa League."

Despite having secured top spot in the group, Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann fielded his strongest possible team, refusing to rest top players after they beat Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

The German champions had been struggling defensively, keeping just one clean sheet in their last eight matches prior to Wednesday.

Jordi Alba tested Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer with a long-range effort in the seventh minute and Ousmane Dembele fired over the bar as the Spaniards initially pressed high. But that was all that was to come from the Barca attack for the rest of the game as the Germans gradually took control.

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A scintillating Mueller run down the left caught Barca napping but his cutback came just too late for Robert Lewandowski who failed to tap in from a metre.

The roles were reversed with Lewandowski chipping the ball into the box and Mueller heading in his 50th Champions League goal in the 34th minute, becoming only the eighth player in Champions League history to reach that mark.

Bayern scored again before the break with a Sane missile from 25 metres out. Barcelona, who needed a win to advance, failed to carve out a chance in the second half before Musiala's 62nd minute tap-in sealed their exit.

Barcelona crashed out of the Champions League following a 3-0 defeat at Bayern Munich on Wednesday, failing to make it past the group stage of the competition for the first time since the 2000-01 season.

Barcelona crashed out of the Champions League following a 3-0 defeat at Bayern Munich on Wednesday, failing to make it past the group stage of the competition for the first time since the 2000-01 season. First-half goals from Thomas Mueller and Leroy Sane put the Germans, who won all six matches to top Group E, firmly in the driving seat before Jamal Musiala tapped in the third just past the hour. Barcelona had advanced to at least the round of 16 every time they competed in the Champions League since 2001 but will continue in the second tier Europa League after ending up third in the group. Benfica qualified as group runners-up with a win over bottom club Dynamo Kyiv. Barca, who made not a single chance in the second half and scored just twice in six group games, have lost their last two matches in all competitions following new coach Xavi`s first defeat in charge of the side by Real Betis on Saturday. ALSO READ: ISL 2021-22: Bartholomew Ogbeche stars as Hyderabad FC beat Bengaluru FC 1-0 "Bayern were better, superior," Xavi said. "This is the harsh reality we have to face. I have told players that this is a turning-point. Today a new era begins and we have to take Barca where it deserves which is not the Europa League. "I am frustrated because this is our reality. We start from scratch and we have to get Barca back to fighting for the Champions League. I now feel responsible. Now we have to go out and win the Europa League." Despite having secured top spot in the group, Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann fielded his strongest possible team, refusing to rest top players after they beat Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in the Bundesliga on Saturday. The German champions had been struggling defensively, keeping just one clean sheet in their last eight matches prior to Wednesday. Jordi Alba tested Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer with a long-range effort in the seventh minute and Ousmane Dembele fired over the bar as the Spaniards initially pressed high. But that was all that was to come from the Barca attack for the rest of the game as the Germans gradually took control. ALSO READ: Champions League: Salah, Origi star as Liverpool clean sweep group by eliminating Milan in last match A scintillating Mueller run down the left caught Barca napping but his cutback came just too late for Robert Lewandowski who failed to tap in from a metre. The roles were reversed with Lewandowski chipping the ball into the box and Mueller heading in his 50th Champions League goal in the 34th minute, becoming only the eighth player in Champions League history to reach that mark. Bayern scored again before the break with a Sane missile from 25 metres out. Barcelona, who needed a win to advance, failed to carve out a chance in the second half before Musiala's 62nd minute tap-in sealed their exit.

Champions League: Barcelona thrashed 3-0 by Bayern, to miss knockout after 20 years

Ahead of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league">UEFA Champions League</a> quarter-final clash between Barcelona and Bayern Munich in Lisbon, midfielder Leon Goretzka said that the Bundesliga winners are chalking out plans to stop the legendary Lionel Messi.&nbsp;

Goretzka said thousands of players have tried to answer the question but only few have been able to curb the extraordinary talent of Messi while adding it is only possible if team works on it collectively.

"Thousands of people before me have tried to answer this question," Goretzka replied Tuesday in Lisbon when asked how to stop Messi.

"It is nice - after playing against (Juventus star Cristiano) Ronaldo a few times - to play the other formative player of the last decade.

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"That can only be done collectively," the 25-year-old central midfielder said of Messi, "because he is a gifted footballer".

"I don't know how, but we have to force our game on them."

Messi, who has 31 goals this season, is looking to win his fifth Champions League with Barcelona but have to face a rampant, treble-chasing Bayern Munich, who have won all their 13 matches since the COVID-19 lockdown restart.

Their sensational form was underlined when Robert Lewandowski netted twice in their second-leg round of 15 rout against Chelsea as the won 7-1 on aggregate. Lewandowski has scored more than 50 goals this season in all competitions.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-quarter-finals-guide-319793" hreflang="en">Champions League quarter-finals guide</a>

Bayern are chasing the treble after winning an eight consecutive Bundesliga title while also lifting the German Cup.

However, Goretzka is of the view that Bayern are the real test. "There is no easy way now. We are here in the sun in Portugal and are preparing for a knockout game in the Champions League," he said.

"We're really up for it. Knockout matches are great."

"At the moment, we're playing as a unit, in addition to the quality of the individual players. We have a clear plan in hand and our intensity without the ball can make the difference."&nbsp;

But he admitted being wary of Arturo Vidal, Barca's ex-Bayern midfielder.

"I got to know him for a few weeks and played against him many times. He has a first-class mentality with amazing fitness," added Goretzka.

"I noticed that during fitness tests - which I took next to him - he can go beyond the pain threshold." 
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Ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash between Barcelona and Bayern Munich in Lisbon, midfielder Leon Goretzka said that the Bundesliga winners are chalking out plans to stop the legendary Lionel Messi.

Ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash between Barcelona and Bayern Munich in Lisbon, midfielder Leon Goretzka said that the Bundesliga winners are chalking out plans to stop the legendary Lionel Messi. Goretzka said thousands of players have tried to answer the question but only few have been able to curb the extraordinary talent of Messi while adding it is only possible if team works on it collectively. "Thousands of people before me have tried to answer this question," Goretzka replied Tuesday in Lisbon when asked how to stop Messi. "It is nice - after playing against (Juventus star Cristiano) Ronaldo a few times - to play the other formative player of the last decade. ALSO READ: Champions League 'Final Eight' kicks off as PSG and Atalanta clash in Lisbon "That can only be done collectively," the 25-year-old central midfielder said of Messi, "because he is a gifted footballer". "I don't know how, but we have to force our game on them." Messi, who has 31 goals this season, is looking to win his fifth Champions League with Barcelona but have to face a rampant, treble-chasing Bayern Munich, who have won all their 13 matches since the COVID-19 lockdown restart. Their sensational form was underlined when Robert Lewandowski netted twice in their second-leg round of 15 rout against Chelsea as the won 7-1 on aggregate. Lewandowski has scored more than 50 goals this season in all competitions. ALSO READ: Champions League quarter-finals guide Bayern are chasing the treble after winning an eight consecutive Bundesliga title while also lifting the German Cup. However, Goretzka is of the view that Bayern are the real test. "There is no easy way now. We are here in the sun in Portugal and are preparing for a knockout game in the Champions League," he said. "We're really up for it. Knockout matches are great." "At the moment, we're playing as a unit, in addition to the quality of the individual players. We have a clear plan in hand and our intensity without the ball can make the difference." But he admitted being wary of Arturo Vidal, Barca's ex-Bayern midfielder. "I got to know him for a few weeks and played against him many times. He has a first-class mentality with amazing fitness," added Goretzka. "I noticed that during fitness tests - which I took next to him - he can go beyond the pain threshold."

How to stop Lionel Messi? Bayern's Leon Goretzka opines