Joan Laporta tips Barcelona to beat Bayern Munich in Champions League

Barcelona president Joan Laporta is confident that Xavi's side can ensure progression to the Champions League knockout stages by beating Bayern Munich next month.

The Blaugrana's European campaign has been underwhelming so far with humbling defeats to Bayern and Benfica on the first two matchdays getting them off to the worst possible start.

Since then they have beaten Group E basement-dwellers Dynamo Kyiv home and away before playing well but drawing against Benfica at Camp Nou.

That result saw them remain in second place but they still face an uphill struggle to qualify for the knockout stages. They have just a two-point lead over Benfica in third, who play Dynamo at home on matchday six and also have the edge in head-to-head record.

This means that unless the Eagles lose to the Ukrainian side, Barcelona must beat Bayern at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday 8 December.

Although most of the footballing world is not giving Barça much of a chance, Laporta is at least confident.

"Beating Bayern is something that can be achieved. There is going to be a miracle, I am convinced that we are going to win," he said, as reported by AS.

He added: "There is a way to go; Xavi is very motivated and very strong. I hope everything goes well for us, I think that at the moment Xavi's arrival has generated a little respect in our opponents. They know we can do it again."

Laporta went on to give an ad-hoc injury update on Ansu Fati, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring problem.

"With Ansu? It may come, the doctors will appreciate it," he said.

For now, Xavi will be focused on league matters. His charges face a tough trip to take on Villarreal on Saturday evening before a home game against Real Betis the following weekend.

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