Bayern and Barcelona have five European Cups apiece, the rest of the quarter-finalists none between them.
Clubs linked by Pep Guardiola, Arturo Vidal, Thiago Alcantara and Philippe Coutinho are divided by much else. In particular, by their talismen.
Robert Lewandowski is the best number nine in the world; Lionel Messi, even if he often starts on the right, the outstanding No. 10.
Their clash might have seemed an unofficial shootout for the Ballon d’Or, were the 2020 award not ridiculously cancelled.
Messi recorded the joint most assists (21) in any of Europe’s top five leagues and, by doubling up as La Liga’s top scorer, he was directly involved in 46 goals; 56 in all competitions.
Lewandowski may have missed out on the European Golden Shoe to Ciro Immobile but his tally of 53 goals in all competitions is unrivalled and his record of only failing to score twice in 2020 almost impeccable. He has dominated the Champions League’s scoring stakes to an extraordinary extent.
If the challenge for Messi is staving off decline, then Lewandowski, who turns 32 next Friday, has improved with age.
That mantle has often rested with Messi in the past. He may need to recreate it to halt Lewandowski, and perhaps to save his old rival Ronaldo’s record.
Odds correct as of 0915 BST on 12/8/20
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