The German champions soared to a two-goal lead after 55 minutes in Italy last month, before conceding two late goals to ensure the opening leg ended in a stalemateThomas Muller admits Bayern Munich are wary of Juventus’ threat heading into the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday.
Bayern appeared to be cruising to victory in the first leg thanks to goals from Muller and Arjen Robben, but last year’s finalists responded well in the second half to seal a 2-2 draw and keep their hopes of the quarter-finals alive.
Juve have failed to win any of their last five Champions League games against the Bundesliga leaders and Pep Guardiola’s side have been in formidable form in the competition at home, winning all of their last nine games at the Allianz Arena, scoring 36 goals and conceding just four.
But Muller has warned his team-mates to be on their guard against Massimiliano Allegri’s side in a match he believes would have been better later on in the tournament.
He told Bayern’s website: “Juventus will set up defensively. We want to be dominant and efficient with our chances early on. I’m optimistic, but also wary, because Juventus created two goals from relatively little in the first leg.”It’s going to be a lively battle, just as you want it to be in the Champions League. Perhaps it’s a bit early for this kind of an encounter to take place, in the round of 16, but that’s how it is. It will be very exciting.”
Juve drew with Borussia Monchengladbach in their last trip to Germany in the group stage and Bayern have not lost a two-legged tie to an Italian team since Inter defeated them on away goals in 2010-11.
Defender Patrice Evra admits that nerves got the better of his side during the first hour in Turin but is confident they have learned their lesson as they aim to inflict only a second home defeat of the season on Bayern.
“We were down 2-0 after 50 minutes but it was our own doing,” Evra told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “We weren’t certain of ourselves at the start and we shouldn’t be embarrassed in admitting that we didn’t play with a lot of personality and character.
“We were too anxious, but when we were down 2-0 we took the field with the desire to level the score. However you shouldn’t react in football, you should take the initiative. What happened should serve as a lesson.”
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