Bayern Munich and Real Madrid square off tomorrow at the Allianz Arena in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie.

Real Madrid go into the game at a disadvantage, having lost the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu 1-2 last week.

And, Bayern, having been on the receiving end of some harsh results at the hands of Real Madrid over the years in the Champions League, are extra-motivated to see the tie through, claims veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

“Of course! Two years ago we would have loved to eliminate them… But we’re in the present. And that’s all we’re thinking about,” said Neuer, when asked if he and Bayern were super-motivated ahead of the second leg against Los Blancos.

While admitting that the Bavarians have an advantage playing at home, the 40-year-old superstar also acknowledged the threat that Real Madrid pose.

“The only advantage is that we have a one-goal lead, but it’s Real Madrid, a very tough challenge. We’re lucky to be playing the second leg at home and we’re counting on the fans,” he said.

“We’re very motivated and ready. It’s a good situation… but we have to be careful, because we’ve seen in the past how Real Madrid can win.”

On whether they have a specific plan to deal with the threat of Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr., Neuer remarked:

“The names don’t matter. It’s more important to think of it as a Champions League match… and that’s it. We’re playing against Real Madrid as a team, not against individual stars.

“Of course, we know those players, but we have to focus on doing our job, on showing our best. Tomorrow, functioning as a team will be crucial.”

On being asked if Real Madrid’s history and track record in the Champions League is something that has been discussed in the Bayern dressing room, the German goalie replied:

“No. We know about their track record in this competition, but when you’re a professional, you live in the moment. And now we’re playing against this Real Madrid. A team that, if they have a good day, can beat anyone. But so can we.

“We beat them at the Bernabeu, in fact. It’s an advantage to play at the Allianz Arena.”

On whether he has thought about the Real Madrid comeback in 2023/24, when Joselu scored two late goals against them in the semi-finals, Neuer said:

“It’s not about that match, because this team is different. Now we’re playing at home and we know the result of the first leg. It will be difficult, of course; nobody needs to tell us that. But we have a lot of potential.”

After failing to win their last two La Liga games, Real Madrid are pretty much out of the title race as Barcelona now have a nine-point lead with seven games left.

Therefore, the Champions League represents their only chance of winning a trophy, which, Neuer admitted, makes the Merengues more dangerous.

“Of course… we’re aware of this situation. For a big club like Real Madrid, it’s a huge deal. If you assess that situation, you know it can make you more dangerous,” he said.

“But I don’t want to dwell too much on their situation, but rather on ourselves. On the run we’re on, on the fact that we’re still in every competition. And that’s all we’re thinking about.”

Neuer was one of Bayern Munich’s standout players in the first leg at the Bernabeu, showing why he is considered as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. On being asked if he believes that he is the all-time best, the veteran replied:

“It’s difficult, it depends on the era. In recent years… it’s not enough to say 2-3, there are many and each one has their own style.

“For Real Madrid, right now, it’s difficult not to have Courtois. But if we look at the past, Schmeichel, Kahn, Buffon, Casillas… they’re all very good. I don’t see one as the best of all time, it depends on the era.”

Source: AS