Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski relishing the challenge against Atletico Madrid’s formidable defence in semis first-leg encounter tonight
Munich: Robert Lewandowski is eager to put Atletico Madrid’s formidable defensive record to the test when Bayern Munich visits in the Champions League semifinal first leg.
Bayern Munich’s striker Robert Lewandowski. Pic/gettyimages
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Atletico Madrid defeated Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate to reach the last four after a 2-0 win in the second leg.
Atletico has kept a clean sheet in 13 of its last 15 home Champions League games.
Lewandowski has been in fearsome form for Bayern this season and has eight Champions League goals so far, but the Poland international has struggled on the road in Europe, having failed to score in seven of his last eight away from the Allianz Arena.
Rather than feel daunted at the prospect of facing Atleti’s defense, however, Lewandowski is relishing the prospect of finding a crucial away goal to silence the vociferous Vicente Calderon crowd.
Best defence
“They have the best defence in the Spanish Liga. I think they’re a team that plays on the break. We need to be careful,” he told UEFA.com.
“As a striker, it’s a challenge to face a side that concede so few, but I’m happy to be playing against them.
“We know it will be tough, but we are Bayern.
“We’ve heard the atmosphere there is among the top three in Europe when it comes to how the fans support their team.
“I like playing in front of crowds like that. Regardless whether you’re at home or away, those are always great matches for any player. Even though the crowd might be against you, it motivates you and your adrenaline goes to the limit.”
Bayern Munich, which has scored more goals (28) than any other semi-finalist this season, has reached this stage of the tournament six times in seven years and has won its last three domestic matches without conceding a goal.
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