Staff Picks: Bayern Munich vs. Barcelona

theScore’s footy staff peer into their crystal balls and make predictions for the second leg of each semi-final tie.

Looking towards Tuesday’s match between Bayern Munich and Barcelona, Gordon Brunt, Carlo Campo and Gianluca Nesci tell you what they think will happen on the pitch, and why.

Gordon Brunt: A three-goal deficit would be hard enough for a fully-fit Bayern Munich squad, let alone a team riddled with injuries. Pep Guardiola's men, in all likelihood, will see their Champions League run come to an end at the Allianz Arena.

The Catalans have already expressed a desire to apply the same offensive approach that's helped them dominate opponents for a majority of the year, with Bayern likely being forced to quell the Barca surges into their end while attempting to close the gap on the 3-0 scoreline from the first leg. A similar result doesn't seem likely, but Barcelona will advance to the finals for the first time since they won it all in 2011.

Score: Barcelona 2, Bayern Munich 2 (Barcelona advances)

Carlo Campo: Everyone is expecting Bayern Munich to enter the second leg of the tie with a vengeance because, you know, it's Pep Guardiola's side and they don't ever exit competitions in casual fashion.

However, Barcelona proved that they reign supreme in a meeting between two clubs whose lifeblood is possession. The Catalan club can hold on to the ball like no other, and they'll be looking to deliver the final blow to Bayern's Champions League adventure by killing the clock and counterattacking at all the right times.

If they can properly execute that strategy, the scoreline will be similar to what took place in the first leg.

Score: Bayern Munich 1, Barcelona 4 (Barcelona advances)

Gianluca Nesci: Will Bayern Munich score? Sure. They might even bag a couple playing in front of a raucous crowd that is among the very best in the world. They're simply too talented to let their Champions League adventure whither and die without something resembling a strong fight.

Will they be able to keep Barcelona off the board? Don't kid yourself.

It's being dubbed mission impossible for a reason, and Tom Cruise isn't walking through that door. End of discussion.

Score: Bayern Munich 2, Barcelona 2 (Barcelona advances)