Porto can surprise Bayern, warns Guardiola

Bayern's Spanish coach Pep Guardiola speaks during a press conference in Porto on April 14, 2015, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League quarter finals match between FC Porto and FC Bayern Munich. PHOTO | FRANCISCO LEONG |

What you need to know:

  • Pep Guardiola's Bayern last failed to reach the last four in Europe in 2011
  • Left-back David Alaba, centre-back Medhi Benatia, midfielder Javi Martinez and right winger Arjen Robben are all missing.
  • Spain veteran Xabi Alonso is back after serving a one-match ban
  • Germany defender Jerome Boateng and striker Claudio Pizarro are back after injury.
  • Ricardo Quaresma, Real Madrid-bound right-back Danilo and forward Hernani all netted in Porto's weekend win.
  • The Portuguese club's last quarter-final appearance was in 2008/09 when they were knocked out by Manchester United.

PORTO

Pep Guardiola says his injury-hit Bayern Munich must expect surprises at FC Porto in Wednesday's quarter-final, first leg, clash.

Bayern are bidding to reach the semi-finals for the fourth year running, but the 2013 Champions League winners are missing several stars including wingers Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Guardiola is wary of Bundesliga giants Bayern taking Porto lightly, especially as the hosts are missing top-scorer Jackson Martinez, who is out with a groin injury.

"Anyone who reaches the Champions League's semi-final plays at a high level. Porto are a top team and I was completely surprised by their level," said Guardiola in Tuesday's press conference.

"We won't need just one game to get through, we'll need two.

"In 99 percent of our games, the opponent reacts to our pressing game by playing long balls.

"Porto are different, they aren't a side who counter-attacks, they want to play.

"They also have a good pressing game, can switch well, often shift their game and are outstanding in one-on-ones.

"We will need a top performance, both in defence and attack."

Bayern's Germany forward Thomas Mueller and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer are hoping to build on their reputations to help poach an advantage in Porto ahead of next Tuesday's return leg in Munich.

Mueller scored a hat-trick against Portugal in Germany's 4-0 group stage win at last year's World Cup and is hoping to cause more misery for Porto fans.
"It's a reputation that I want to maintain," quipped Mueller.

"We definitely want a good performance for the return leg, but Porto are a very strong team.

"Due to our injuries, the competition for places between us all has become less important.

"It's now crucial to really become a team and we know we won't have many options off the bench."

Neuer in particular has good memories of Porto's Estadio do Dragao stadium having saved two penalties there in 2008 to help his former club Schalke reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time.

"I was a very young goalkeeper back then in my first Champions League season," said the 29-year-old.

"Luckily I had a really good day and everything went like clock-work.

"We can expect it to be very loud in the stadium with their emotional fans driving their team on.

"Portuguese players are basically very technical and they are all strong on the ball.

"They have good dead-ball specialists, we will have to be careful and very well prepared."