Barca are top of the Spanish league and face their biggest tests of the season this week against Bayern and then at rivals Real Madrid on Saturday in La Liga. "Bayern are a team in good form with a lot of confidence, they're a top, top team with great players," said Flick.

Gavi made his comeback from a severe knee injury on Sunday, while Frenkie de Jong, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and others face long spells on the sidelines or are only just returning. Perhaps the most crucial difference has been former Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski's return to form.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said welcoming his former club Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday will be special but that he is feeling right at home after an outstanding start with the Catalan giants.