Pep Guardiola is not the only connection between Bayern Munich and Barcelona, who meet in their Champions League semifinal, first leg at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.
.
Both teams are dominating their leagues to an almost embarrassing extent, have won the Champions League four times apiece, share an acrimonious rivalry with Real Madrid, and owe part of their success to the flamboyant Dutchman Louis van Gaal.
.
Both have also been in two Champions League finals in the last four years, though the Catalans won both of theirs and the Bavarians came out losers on each occasion.
.
Barcelona are 13 points clear at the top of La Liga, yet could be considered underdogs against a rampant Bayern, who wrapped up the Bundesliga two weeks ago and won two games by 6-1 margins this week even when resting their top players.
.
"The players are just enjoying their football, and our attitude is superb. Every man was totally motivated, we put together some very fluid moves, we showed great discipline, and we created outstanding goals," said coach Jupp Heynckes after Saturday's 6-1 win at Hanover 96.
.
"Once again, the players have proved we don't have a B-team, we only have an A team."
.
Bayern's dominance has caused some disquiet in the Bundesliga, which often proclaims itself to be Europe's most open league.
.
"There's a big difference in performance levels in the league," club president Uli Hoeness told Kicker last week. "We can't be comfortable with that. We have to analyse why this is the case."
.
Barcelona's superiority in La Liga has led to suggestions from Madrid media that it has become a formality for them and they will not even celebrate winning it.
.
"It appears there are people who want to make out that the league doesn't count for anything, but that's not the case, it's a very important title," said midfielder Cesc Fabregas. "We have worked very hard."
.
"If we do eventually win the league, there is no doubt that there is great merit in taking four titles in five seasons," stand-in coach Jordi Roura said. "It's a very difficult championship."
.
Bayern believe their playing style and policy of giving priority to players raised locally makes them similar to Barcelona and that it was only natural that Guardiola, who quit the Nou Camp last season, should continue his career at the Allianz Arena from next season.
.
Hoeness revealed recently that Bayern had been involved in talks with Guardiola long before he agreed to coach them in January.
.
"I had the impression from the beginning that Bayern are a club who are quite close to Barcelona in footballing attitude, so it was not that difficult for us to convince him," Hoeness told World Soccer magazine.
Bayern Munich should focus more on themeselves and not try to study Barcelona's mistakes. They can defeat Barcelona
That is why the game is going to be a fantastic one.So many record in their names.May the better team carry the day