appConfigEntityId

bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

isVideo

articlePageQuery

article

articleSchemaContent

content

hooksArticlePageAdvertisementConfigArticle

hooksArticlePageFloatingButtonConfigArticle

appConfig

filter

json

liveArticle

Pep Guardiola has promised Bayern Munich will put up a fight in tomorrow's Champions League semi-final, second leg, in their near-impossible bid to deny Barcelona an eighth appearance in the final.
Bayern are chasing a miracle at the Allianz Arena after their humbling 3-0 first-leg defeat at the Camp Nou last Wednesday when Lionel Messi capped a dazzling display with two goals.
We all know it's going to be a mammoth task, but we're not going to give up
Thomas Mueller
No team has ever overturned a three-goal deficit in a European semi-final.
"We all know it's going to be a mammoth task, but we're not going to give up," said Bayern forward Thomas Mueller.
Bayern believe they can claim a historic win with Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger suggesting: "Sometimes unbelievable things happen in football and we hope we're going to catch one of those days".

But their confidence has been dented by losing their last four games since winning the German league for the 25th time a fortnight ago and the losing streak is their longest since 1991.
In Saturday's latest defeat, Bayern crashed 1-0 at home to neighbours Augsburg and had to play 77 minutes with 10 men after reserve goalkeeper Pepe Reina was sent off.
Having also lost 2-0 at Leverkusen the previous week before their drubbing in Barcelona, it is the first time Bayern have failed to score in three consecutive games for 15 years.
But Bayern coach Guardiola, a former Barcelona boss, insists his side must keep their dreams alive."I am realistic, that is the only way you can win," said the Spaniard, who has warned his side they risk being routed unless they contain Barcelona.
"The dream is still there and we have 90 minutes. It won't be easy, but I am a fighter."
In contrast, Barca have scored 19 goals in their last four games.
They are poised to win the league title after beating Real Sociedad 2-0 on Saturday, a result which left them four points ahead of rivals Real Madrid.
Brazil star Neymar has now scored in each of his last six matches to take his tally for the season to 35.But Barca coach Luis Enrique refuses to believe Bayern will bow out of Europe without a fight.
"I saw it [the defeat against Augsburg]. They lost, but they played 70 minutes with 10 men. We will suffer a lot in Munich," said the Barca boss.
The dream is still there and we have 90 minutes. It won't be easy, but I am a fighter
Pep Guardiola
"They are unique opponents, who know what it is like to turn around important matches already this season.
"We will never think that it is done, nor even that it looks very good for us. We need to defend as far away from our goal as much as possible."
One ray of hope, as Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer put it, is the fact Guardiola's side emphatically turned their 3-1 quarter-final, first-leg defeat at Porto into a 6-1 rout in Munich with five goals in the opening 45 minutes. A fact Guardiola will no doubt be reminding his team of as they prepare for the second leg.


Sealing place in Champions League last-16 can help turn season around, says Mourinho

Uefa ‘basically accept doping’ by not banning clubs, says Arsene Wenger

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri in high spirits despite Champions League defeat

Vampire history forgotten as Luis Suarez comes good for Barcelona’s European champions

Uefa Champions League 2014-15

Bayern Munich to fight for Champions League second-leg miracle against Barcelona

The 3-0 defeat in the first leg was a chastening experience for Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola. Photo: Reuters

Bayern Munich's Polish forward Robert Lewandowski (centre) is tackled by Barcelona defender Gerard Pique (left) during Barcelona's first leg win. Photo: AFP

Lionel Messi gave German international Jerome Boateng a torrid evening at the Camp Nou. Photo: Xinhua

Sport

Football

Pep Guardiola's embattled side will aim to repeat their rousing first half against Porto in an effort to overturn Barca's commanding lead


Bayern Munich to fight for Champions League second-leg miracle against Barcelona

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Pep Guardiola's embattled side will aim to repeat their rousing first half against Porto in an effort to overturn Barca's commanding lead

Pep Guardiola's embattled side will aim to repeat their rousing first half against Porto in an effort to overturn Barca's commanding lead