by Oliver Trust

BERLIN, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Bayern Munich supervisory board member Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has warned his team not to underestimate Real Madrid ahead of Wednesday's second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal.

"Real often enough has annoyed us in our arena," the 70-year-old told DAZN, adding that, after a 2-1 first-leg win in Madrid, Bayern must deliver another focused performance to secure a place in the semifinals.

"I just want to remind everyone of that fact," added the 1974 World Cup winner, pointing to past encounters, including the 2024 semifinal when Real Madrid won 1-0 at home before routing Bayern 4-0 in Munich.

Rummenigge also cautioned against growing optimism around the club. "I feel a little hype around our club, and I am not sure I like it," the former striker said, warning that excessive euphoria could prove costly.

He struck a more positive note by drawing comparisons with 2020, when Bayern went on to win the Champions League. "I feel similar vibes at the club," he said, while stressing that a performance on par with last week's display in Madrid would be required to "cross the finish line."

Despite the warning, historical trends favor Bayern when defending a first-leg lead. The German side has only once squandered such an advantage in recent history, when a 1-0 win away to Inter Milan in 2011 was followed by a 3-2 home defeat.

Domestically, Bayern remains on course for multiple trophies. The team has already surpassed the club's long-standing Bundesliga scoring record, exceeding the 101 goals set in the 1971/72 season with 105 after 29 matchdays of the current campaign.

With the league title within reach as early as next weekend, Bayern is also preparing for a German Cup semifinal against Bayer Leverkusen, while continuing its push in Europe.

Midfielder Leon Goretzka sought to ease concerns, saying the team is fully aware of the challenge ahead. "We know who we are playing and what to expect," he said.

Head coach Vincent Kompany said Bayern must be ready for a potentially extended contest, including extra time, and manage the game intelligently. He rested key forwards Harry Kane and Serge Gnabry in the weekend's 5-0 win at St. Pauli to ensure they are fresh for Wednesday.

Despite minor fitness concerns, Bayern is expected to field the same starting lineup as in the first leg. Sporting director Max Eberl confirmed that Gnabry is fit after training individually over the weekend.

Bayern will also look to its strong home form, having won all five of its Champions League matches in Munich this season. However, Real Madrid has a solid recent record at the venue, winning three of its last four visits since the 2013/14 campaign. ■