Overview

• Coach Pere Romeu says the squad is hungry and intent on reclaiming the trophy after last season’s Lisbon final loss to Arsenal.
• Barcelona reports a deep scouting of Bayern and a clear plan, anticipating a high press and strong positional attacks from the German side.
• The opener is at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, with Bayern arriving as the reigning champions of Germany.
• UEFA’s new league-style phase gives Barcelona three home fixtures (Bayern, Leuven, Benfica) and three away (Chelsea, Paris FC, Roma), with the top four advancing directly to the quarterfinals.
• Captain Irene Paredes says the defeat still hurts but is being used as motivation to begin this campaign at full intensity.