‘Pressure off’ as Bayern eye semis
10 April 2013 1:29 AM GMT
Arjen Robben on Tuesday said that Bayern Munich’s recent Bundesliga title triumph has taken the pressure off as they look to qualify for their third Champions League semifinals in four years against Juventus.
Bayern outclassed the Italian champions 2-0 in the first leg in Munich last week and history is against the hosts, who have never overturned a 2-0 first leg defeat in the competition.
Although the Bianconeri are hoping to end that streak on Wednesday, Robben warned that Bayern are feeling no pressure following their 23rd title triumph at the weekend with six matches remaining in the campaign.
Bayern, beaten Champions League finalists in 2010 and 2012, have been particularly solid away from home this season but Robben believes that is simply part of what has been a sterling season so far. ‘I think in general it’s not only been the away games, up till now we’ve had a very good season,’ the Dutchman told reporters in Turin. ‘Of course, the pressure’s off in the league now because we have won the title and now we can completely focus on our games in the Champions League.
‘It will be a difficult game, but we’re taking it day by day and tomorrow (Wednesday) we aim to reach the semifinals.’ Bayern ‘keeper Manuel Neuer, meanwhile, said: ‘Buffon remains a top goalkeeper and you can’t forget he stopped us from winning 3-0 in the first leg.’
Bayern outclassed the Italian champions 2-0 in the first leg in Munich last week and history is against the hosts, who have never overturned a 2-0 first leg defeat in the competition.
Although the Bianconeri are hoping to end that streak on Wednesday, Robben warned that Bayern are feeling no pressure following their 23rd title triumph at the weekend with six matches remaining in the campaign.
Bayern, beaten Champions League finalists in 2010 and 2012, have been particularly solid away from home this season but Robben believes that is simply part of what has been a sterling season so far. ‘I think in general it’s not only been the away games, up till now we’ve had a very good season,’ the Dutchman told reporters in Turin. ‘Of course, the pressure’s off in the league now because we have won the title and now we can completely focus on our games in the Champions League.
‘It will be a difficult game, but we’re taking it day by day and tomorrow (Wednesday) we aim to reach the semifinals.’ Bayern ‘keeper Manuel Neuer, meanwhile, said: ‘Buffon remains a top goalkeeper and you can’t forget he stopped us from winning 3-0 in the first leg.’
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