If Bayern are to make the Champions League final this season they must overcome Real Madrid in the last four for the second time in three years. “All Bayern and Real fans can justifiably look forward to this clash,” said FCB chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, “we have a huge chance to make history by retaining the title and we believe we can do it.” fcbayern.desummarises the reaction to Friday’s semi-final draw.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge: “All Bayern and Real fans can justifiably look forward to this clash. Pep will certainly be delighted. We’re playing one of the best clubs in the world and their fantastic team. Both games will be tough but attractive, I can confidently say that in advance. Real aren’t kind of team to sit back and defend. We respect Real, but we have a huge chance to make history by retaining the title and we believe we can do it.”
Matthias Sammer: “What a fantastic semi-final, a meeting of two huge clubs with great traditions. We can expect two festivals of football. Bayern versus Real is the best European football has to offer at the present time. Naturally, we want to prevail and make the final.”
Philipp Lahm: “It’s a meeting between two massive teams and would have been a worthy final. I think we have a 50-50 chance. But there can only be one target when you’re in the last four of the Champions League, to reach the final! We’ll go for it with everything we’ve got.”
Franck Ribéry: “It’s a tough draw, a meeting between two of the best attacking teams in the world. We’re in for two magnificent matches and I really hope we make the final.”
Manuel Neuer: “I’m looking forward to going back to the Bernabeu. I have lots of positive memories of the stadium. The semi-final return two years ago when we went through on penalties was unbelievable. I’m also intrigued about the atmosphere in Madrid when we go there, because both Atletico and Real play their first legs at home. The city will be packed with fans of all four semi-finalists on Tuesday and Wednesday so it’ll definitely be a massive festival.”
Thomas Müller: “What a great draw! I’m looking forward to two cracking games with lots of world-class players!”
Javi Martínez: “Real are the strongest of the teams we could have drawn. It’ll be tough but I believe in our team. I lost to Real several times with Bilbao but I’m hoping to turn that around with Bayern.”
Emilio Butragueño (Real Madrid director):“Bayern are strong with plenty of great players. It’ll be tough especially with the return being in Munich. That could give Bayern a slight edge. Both games will be tight. But it’s a fantastic clash, one of the best imaginable.”
Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid coach): “It’s good we face tough opponents. We’ll do everything we can to win. Pep Guardiola is one of the best coaches in the world, and a knockout tie between the clubs will be tough for both teams. We’re extremely motivated, we’re still chasing three trophies and we’re really looking forward to it.”
