FC Bayern have set off for their Champions League appointment in Madrid in a respectful but confident mood. “We're proud and happy to be in the semi-finals for the fifth time in a row,” commented Karl-Heinz Rummenigge after check-in at Munich airport on Tuesday afternoon. “And when you're in the semi-finals you have one goal of course, a place in the final. We'll do everything to continue this dream.”
The FCB chairman rated the chances of going through at 50-50 and stated his desired aim for Wednesday's first leg against Atlético: “Don't lose and ideally score a goal. That would be a good result with regard to the return.”
Boateng: 'I'm ready'
Rummenigge is taking the hosts very seriously: “If you knock out Barcelona and make it to the semi-finals you have quality and deserve the highest respect.” Rummenigge is looking forward to the first leg at the venerable Estadio Vicente Calderón: “It's my first visit to the stadium. According to our coach the atmosphere is amazing. Their home crowd fervently support Atlético. But I think our players have experienced so much in the last few years – Barcelona, Madrid, Wembley, Manchester – that they're not going to be knocked out of their stride by the atmosphere.”
Rummenigge was “glad and happy” that Jérôme Boateng is part of the 22-strong squad travelling to Madrid. “It's important he's back for the final spurt. I don't know Pep Guardiola's plans for him,” the 60-year-old declared. Boateng was sidelined for three months due to a groin injury. “I'm feeling good and I'm ready to help the team. I don't know how long. But I'll give it everything once I'm out on the pitch,” the centre-back said before boarding the plane.
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