DOHA, Qatar — The last four times Bayern Munich have played Barcelona in the Champions League, the aggregate score has been 11-0 to the Bundesliga side. From that, you might draw the conclusion that Spain have no chance in their World Cup clash with against Germany on Sunday.
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Why? Because, from those Bayern teams, Germany coach Hansi Flick can field Manuel Neuer, Josh Kimmich, Serge Gnabry, Jamal Musiala, Leon Goretzka, Leroy Sane, Niklas Sule and Thomas Muller at Al Bayt Stadium. And because in Luis Enrique’s squad this weekend you’ll find Jordi Alba, Eric Garcia, Sergio Busquets, Ansu Fati, Pedri, Gavi, Alejandro Balde and Ferran Torres — all of whom have been battered by German might, menace and muscle over the last two seasons.
Those four matches were dramatic, clear-cut demonstrations of power, precision, speed, height and sporting aggression. And we’re not even counting the 8-2 Bayern win over the Blaugrana in the 2020-21 quarterfinal. It began to feel like German football was actively trying to stamp the life out of Spain’s more delicate, possession-based, technically delightful artistry.
So comprehensively was the cream of Spain demolished, at club level, that you can bet Pedri, Gavi, Busquets, Alba et al knew precisely how Costa Rica felt when they left the Al Thumama pitch on Wednesday — thrashed 7-0. After such magnificent effervescence from La Roja, against opponents previously famed for their defensive organisation, two questions immediately arise: is this form transferable to the crucial Group E match against Germany? And, should their fans worry that newfound complacency and cockiness can corrode Spain’s readiness for a titanic battle?
Last question first. I was in the player tunnel, working, when Luis Enrique’s victorious side came off the pitch. No shouting, no glee, no boisterous celebrations — if you’d not seen the match or the scoreboard you’d have thought it was half-time with things balanced at 0-0. Not a hint of over-exuberance or swagger. Faces set, serious manner — the atmosphere was: Job done, what’s next?
