Xabi Alonso claims that a fully fit Bayern Munich can beat both Barcelona and Real Madrid
In last year’s Champions League, Bayern were beaten by Barcelona easily, however vetaran Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso feels that a fully fit Bayern Munich side has the capability to beat both Barcelona and Real Madrid.
"I don't know if they have an advantage but, of course, there is no doubt that they are playing very well and they are playing as well as they were last year," Alonso told Goal in an exclusive interview when asked if Barca would expect to defeat Bayern, should they be drawn together.
"I said before, as long as we have most of the team fit that'll be a big difference compared to last year. The last two months of the season last year were terrible for us in those terms and we couldn't compete at the same level so if we have everyone fit and the trainer has all the options to choose, it might be different."
Although Real Madrid have very little chance of winning the La Liga, the former Real Madrid man was wary of the threat posed by Zidane’s men.
"Everything can change in the Champions League," he added. "It's a massive goal for them this year as they know La Liga is very difficult to win with the difference Barcelona has right now.
"But Real Madrid, with the players they have, in two games can beat anyone in the world because they can produce so many chances and so much good football that, for sure, they are one of the main favourites for the Champions League."
Benfica facing a difficult task against Bayern Munich in the Champions League
A quick look at past and current form might have Benfica wondering whether it is worth even turning up for their Champions League quarter-final tie at Bayern Munich on Tuesday.
Whether it be Bayern's home record in Europe this season, their record against Portuguese teams or simply the head-to-head record between the Bavarians and Benfica, all the numbers point overwhelmingly to a Bayern win in the first leg.
Benfica will be all too aware that their great rivals Porto also faced Bayern at the same stage of the competition last year and were trounced 6-1 at the Allianz Area after shipping five goals in a 22-minute spell in the first half.
In fact, Bayern have won all nine of their previous two-legged knockout ties against Portuguese opposition, including three against Benfica.