Mario Gotze has warned Bayern Munich they face a 'dangerous' tie against Benfica in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday.
Bayern are eager to avoid another slip-up against Portuguese opposition after suffering a 3-1 first-leg defeat to Porto at the same stage of the competition last season.
While they responded with a 6-1 victory in Munich to comfortably reach the semi-finals, Gotze said: "The game is dangerous. We have to remind ourselves about what we experienced in Porto last year."
Bayern, who battled past Juventus 6-4 on aggregate to reach the quarter-finals, maintained their five-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga with a 1-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt at the weekend.
They are strong favourites to progress to the semi-finals for the fifth year in a row, but Benfica have won 19 of their last 20 games in all competitions and also lead their domestic league by five points.
The Portuguese side, who beat Zenit St Petersburg 3-1 on aggregate in the last round, boast the most prolific striker in Europe, with Jonas scoring his 30th league goal on Friday.
Team news
Bayern will be without Netherlands captain Arjen Robben, who has a groin injury, and also have issues in defence.
Jerome Boateng and Holger Badstuber are ruled out and Medhi Benatia and Javi Martinez are doubtful. Kingsley Coman should be fit after missing the win over Frankfurt with a slight muscle injury.
Benfica will be without goalkeeper Julio Cesar (thigh), defenders Lisandro Lopez (thigh) and Luisao (arm), as well as Nuno Santos (knee).
-
Follow Joy Sports on Twitter: @JoySportsGH. Our hashtag is #JoySports
Latest Stories
-
MELPWU signs first-ever Collective Agreement with government
13 mins -
I’ve not been evicted from my home – Tema Central MP refutes ‘unfounded’ reports
15 mins -
After Free SHS, what next? – Alan quizzes and pledges review to empower graduates
45 mins -
Wontumi FM’s Oheneba Asiedu granted bail
55 mins -
Alan promises to amend the Constitution to limit presidential powers
1 hour -
Ghana to face liquidity pressures in 2025, 2026 despite restructuring most of its debt – Fitch
1 hour -
NPP’s record of delivering on promises is unmatched – Bawumia
1 hour -
Mahama: It’s time to dismiss the incompetent NPP government
1 hour -
Today’s front pages: Monday, November 25, 2024
2 hours -
T-bill auction: Government misses target again; interest rates continue to rise
2 hours -
We have a bad technical team; Otto Addo and his team should go – Ernest Thompson
3 hours -
Hindsight: Why Accra Lions’ present problems do not define them
3 hours -
10-year-old Lisa Laryea arrives at Wits Donald Gordon Hospital in South Africa for bone marrow transplant
4 hours -
23 ambassadors inducted to take on 2025 GSTEP Challenge in three regions
4 hours -
Ghana Shea Workers Union inaugurated
4 hours