Xavi Optimistic Barcelona Can Beat Bayern Munich

Despite currently lying on second position on the standings, Barcelona are in danger of dropping down to the Europa League if they fail to defeat the Bavarians and Benfica edge Dynamo Kiev in the other contest.

Barcelona have lost their last three games against Bayern Munich, including an 8-2 humiliation in August last year that cost Quique Setien his job and a 3-0 reverse in the early stages of this season's competition.

Bayern Munich have won their previous five games in the competition and will be expected to pick up maximum points at the Allianz Arena.

Xavi lost for the first time as Barcelona manager to Real Betis over the weekend but he is adamant his charges can emerge from the daunting trip to Germany unscathed.

"We will try," he told reporters. "He who tries and rows to the end does not fail, and I do not believe in the word failure.

"We depend on ourselves and it will be difficult, but at the moment we have the idea of going there to win the game, dominate and create chances. If tomorrow it [Barca are knocked out] happens, we will talk about it.

"I see them train and I think we are ready to compete. It's not the best scenario [the lack of spectators allowed] but we are very much looking forward to it.

"I hope the latest defeat doesn't affect us. We depend on ourselves and we will try with our weapons.

"After the game we will see. I don't see it as such a miracle. It is a game and we can beat any opponent."

"We work so that Barca is not inferior to any team in Europe. We have a lot of work ahead of us," he continued.

"You have to be patient because this [process] is not overnight – lately, Bayern have been better than Barca, but football always offers you a chance for revenge."