Xabi Alonso has said Real Madrid will face Bayern Munich looking to win the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final.
The midfielder was put before the Press to discuss the match and AS reports Alonso as saying Madrid will look to dominate the game and claim a victory to set them up for next week’s game in Germany.
“Our intention is to go out and win the game. That’s the best way to get a good result for the second-leg in Munich,” Alonso added.
“We want a complete game, to know when to attack and when they can hurt us.
“Possession is a relative statistic to be interpreted according to others. You have to know how to interpret the game.”
It was put to Alonso that Bayern represent something of a bogey team for Los Blancos, and the Spain international was asked if facing Pep Guardiola, rather than Jupp Heynckes, was added motivation.
“I don’t think Real Madrid are victims. Bayern are a great rival but we are in good form,” he said.
“I don’t see any favourites and we’re not interested in having that role. It’s exterior noise and not what’s said in the locker room.
“[Bayern under Guardiola and under Heynckes] are different clubs, different Coaches. We shouldn’t talk about a comparison but recognize that Bayern are a great team with a lot of variations and flexible players.
“I believe that now, after three years of reaching the semi-final, in the fourth year we want to go one step further.
“Our motivation is absolute and the focus that we have to have is very high.
“I don’t think Bayern have changed under Guardiola. The base is very similar but they have used different variations of tactics.
“I see a rich team but last year was a great team with another great Coach who did something historic.”
