Guardiola: Real Madrid a huge challenge for Bayern

Pep Guardiola labelled
Bayern Munich ’s
Champions League
semi-final against Real
Madrid a “huge
challenge”.
The Bavarians are being tipped by many
pundits to become the first side to
successfully retain the European Cup since
AC Milan followed up their demolition of
Steaua Bucharest in 1989 with a 1-0 win
over Benfica the following year.
However, former Barcelona boss Guardiola
is acutely aware of the threat posed to his
side's Champions League hopes by Madrid.
"The draw is the draw," the Catalan told a
press conference. “But Real Madrid are a
tough draw. I know their team well.
"They have a great team and a great coach
[Carlo Ancelotti], so it will be a huge
challenge for us. But we are looking
forward to it."
The first leg will take place at the Santiago
Bernabeu on April 23 and although it has
been reported that thigh injury victim
Cristiano Ronaldo will not have recovered
in time, Guardiola expects to have to
contend with the Portuguese superstart.
"I believe he will play against us," the ex-
Spain international stated. "We will prepare
for the game believing that he will be in
the team.
"We watched their game against [Borussia]
Dortmund and will watch them in the Copa
del Rey against Barcelona [on Wednesday].
We'll analyse everything."
Bayern return to domestic action on
Saturday against second-place Dortmund,
with the Bavarians side having already
secured the Bundesliga title in March, a
record seven games before the season’s
end.
However, Guardiola insisted his team will
approach the match like any other, and
spoke of similarities between Dortmund
and Real Madrid’s style of football.
He continued: “It will be a real test. If we
try and play even a little relaxed tomorrow
[Saturday], we don't stand a chance.
"Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are
the best counterattacking sides in the
world.”