The Champions League resumes this week with Bayern Munich taking on Benfica in one of two quarter-final matches set to be played on Tuesday night. The German club is set to play the first leg at home and manager Pep Guardiola is wary of the threat Benfica carries.
Although Bayern are favourites to reach the semi-finals of the competition, the Catalan boss stressed on the fact that the Portuguese side’s defence was one of the best in Europe. Rui Vitoria’s side have been in a scintillating run of form having topped the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
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While doing so, they went on a run of 20 wins in their last 23 matches in all competitions – losing only to Atletico Madrid in December and Porto in February. Since the loss to Atletico, they have conceded only 14 goals.
Bayern are not favourites: Guardiola
Speaking ahead of the game, Guardiola said at the pre-match press conference: “I don’t feel like a favourite after I watched Benfica.
“Benfica are on a run, they’re better than they’ve been for a long time.
“It will be evenly balanced,” he continued. “They have impressed me. I don’t think that we are the favourites. It’s going to be a very tough challenge to advance to the semi-finals.”
Guardiola also gave his observations on how Benfica defend and why their defensive record was so solid. The Portuguese side play a high defensive line and are very attack-minded.
“Benfica defend very aggressively. Their back four is one of the best in Europe. They allow hardly any chances.
“They are fast and they are very dangerous, both are strong with the headers as well. They have got a lot of quality.”
Neuer and Costa also wary of Benfica threat
Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was also asked for his thoughts on Benfica’s attack, especially with Jonas and Konstantinos Mitroglou leading the line. Jonas has scored 32 goals this season while Mitroglou has scored 19 goals in all competitions.
“Both are highly dangerous,” Neuer said. “Together they’ve scored 48 goals (actually 51). They will try and score a goal. We have to watch out.”
Winger Douglas Costa was also asked about their Champions League opponents and he spoke about how his Brazilian compatriots were up for the game.
“I know most of the Brazilians at Benfica,” Costa said. “They’ve come here to put up a fight.”
