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Matthäus names Bayern top favourite for Champions League title
TL;DR
Lothar Matthäus has declared Bayern Munich as the top favorites for the Champions League title, despite facing tough challenges ahead. They will host Real Madrid after winning the first leg 2-1, and if successful, they could meet Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals.
Former German footballer Lothar Matthaeus stands on the pitch ahead of the FIFA World Cup European Qualifying Group A soccer match between Germany and Northern Ireland. Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa
Former captain Lothar Matthäus has named Bayern Munich top favourites for the Champions League title despite difficult upcoming tasks.
Bayern were to host record winners Real Madrid later on Wednesday in the second leg of their quarter-final tie. Bayern won the first leg 2-1 in Madrid but went out in the last four knock-out ties against Real.
If they reach the semi-finals they will meet title holders Paris Saint-Germain but former Bayern and Germany great Matthäus believes that Vincent Kompany's team has the class to go all the way to a seventh title in the elite event.
"This unity on the pitch, this joy they have together - I see Bayern Munich as favourites, as well against Paris and for the title," Matthäus said.
The 1990 World Cup winner is convinced that Bayern will advance against Real, "if nothing extraordinary happens, a red card or own goals."
Q&A
Why does Lothar Matthäus consider Bayern Munich the favorites for the Champions League title?
Matthäus believes Bayern has the quality and class to secure their seventh title in the Champions League, despite facing tough opponents.
What was the result of the first leg between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid?
Bayern Munich won the first leg 2-1 against Real Madrid in their quarter-final tie.
Who would Bayern Munich face if they reach the semi-finals of the Champions League?
If Bayern Munich advances to the semi-finals, they would meet the title holders, Paris Saint-Germain.
