Bavarian giants Bayern München are strong favourites against Portuguese Liga leaders Benfica on tonights Champions League Quarter Final.
The Portuguese side is leading the Liga NOS rather surprisingly, despite strong and classy football performance from local rivals Sporting Clube de Portugal that earlier this year snatched top manager Jorge Jesus. The reds (Benfica) lost 3 out of 4 of their battles against the lions (Sporting) this season, including a rather embarrassing 0-3 home defeat.
Manager Jorge Jesus led Benfica to two consecutive Europa League finals. Benfica ended up losing both to Chelsea and Seville.
Josep Guardiola is playing safe:
"I am Bayern coach and we always want to be the best but I really don't think we are the favourites going into this. Benfica are playing very well at the moment and I have to admit I am very impressed.
But we are Bayern, and Bayern are always considered favourites. I have lots of respect for them and for Portuguese football. Remember what happened last year in Porto ....
For the people of Munich I understand and accept that only the treble will do. If we don't win it, I know for many it is simply not good enough. But there are many quality teams. The most important thing is that we give it our best shot."
As usual the game will start at 8:45pm (UTC +1:00).
Bayern's possible lineup
Neuer; Lahm, Kimmich, Alaba, Bernat; Alonso, Vidal; Coman, Ribéry (Costa); Müller, Lewandowski.