With Bayern Munich and Barcelona being drawn in the same UEFA Champions League group on Thursday evening, the Bavarians have reacted to the match-up with their former talisman Robert Lewandowski.
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For the second successive campaign, the reigning Bundesliga champions have drawn the Catalan giants in the same UCL group, which also features Inter Milan and Viktoria Plzen.
Following those European matches last season, though, the two clubs became embroiled in a tussle off the field due to the transfer saga revolving around Lewandowski.
The Poland international made it clear at the end of the 2021/22 campaign that he wanted to leave the Allianz Arena, and only wanted to go to Catalonia.
The 34-year-old eventually got his wish and made the switch from Germany to Spain when Barca paid Bayern a reported €45 million (R752 million) for his services.
Now the Pole will return to the club where he spent eight highly successful years with his new team in Europe's premier club competition.
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Given the Lewandowski narrative, Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn made his feelings known after the draw.
"It was so obvious. So obvious! Of course we'd get Barcelona in our group," he said, as per Barca Universal.
Bavarians forward Thomas Muller was more enthusiastic about the now-Blaugrana hitman's return.
"What a great story that we're about to meet FC Barcelona with Robert Lewandowski," the 2010 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot winner told Bayern's official website.
"For me, a great group with great teams. These will be great Champions League evenings for football fans.
"But one thing is also clear: We have to do our homework to reach the round of 16."
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History suggests that Lewandowski could have a hard time facing his former side, with Barca managing to beat the six-time European champions only twice in 11 Champions League games played between them.
Last season, the Blaugrana failed to find the back of the net in their two matches against the German giants, losing 3-0 both home and away.
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