Munich skipper Philipp Lahm elated at prospect of facing Real Madrid in semis; Chelsea face Atletico in other tie
Philipp Lahm
Munich: Philipp Lahm has expressed his delight at Bayern Munich drawing Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals, claiming that there is currently no bigger match-up in football.
Philipp Lahm
The holders will face Carlo Ancelotti's side over two legs this month as they bid to reach their fourth final in five seasons, while Atletico Madrid will meet Chelsea in the other last-four encounter.
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Lahm feels the clash with Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. represents the toughest test Bayern could have expected prior to the draw — but is nonetheless excited about the challenge of trying to end Madrid's latest bid for a 10th European Cup.
"It's a fantastic semi-final," the versatile defender stated. "Two big clubs with a lot of tradition will meet each other. Bayern against Real — it can't get any bigger in European football at the moment. "We want to prevail and reach the final, no doubt about it."
Bastian Schweinsteiger reacts after Bayern defeated Real Madrid in the semi-final via penalty shoot-out in 2012. Pic/Imagelibrary/EPA
Franck Ribery is equally enthused by a tie that he feels is almost guaranteed to produce goals given the two teams' footballing philosophies. "It's difficult draw. Two of the best attacking sides of the world will meet. It will be two great matches. I really hope that we can reach the final," he said.
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer - who was the hero of Bayern's penalty shootout victory over Madrid in the semi-final clash of 2012 — is expecting spectacular scenes in the Spanish capital when all four sides come face-to-face across two matchdays in the city.
"I'm looking forward to playing again at the Bernabeu," he said. "I have many positive memories when I think about that stadium. It was crazy to win the second leg of the semi-final two years ago on penalties."
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