Bayern Underdogs Against Barcelona: Beckenbauer

The Bundesliga Champions will go into the game as the underdogs, says the club’s President, whereas Matthias Sammer expects a tie.

The German Legend Franz Beckenbauer believes his side is the underdog in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

“Barcelona are the favourites for me,” Beckenbauer told reporters. “It’s not that Bayern do not stand a chance, but they are not the favourites.”

The Bundesliga champions hammered Porto on Tuesday with a 6-1 win in the second leg of their quarter-final tie, making it a 7-4 aggregate win.

Yet the Bayern legend is even more impressed by the Spanish club, which defeated Paris Saint-Germain with ease in the quarter-finals.

On the other hand, Sporting Director Matthias Sammer thinks that it will be an even tie where any club can make it to the final in Berlin.

“I am really looking forward to it. I think it’s a 50-50 tie,” he said. “Both sides have an attack that’s among the best in the world. Barcelona have some superb players, but so do Bayern.”

“It’s all about focusing on our own strengths. Guardiola’s return to Camp Nou? Coaches are always the centre of attention, but they are not the ones taking to the pitch.

“There is nothing better in football than big games like this.”