German side Bayern Munich are in top preparation for their almighty return leg of the UEFA Champions League against Barcelona tomorrow as the German side travel to Nou Camp.
Last week, It was Champions League wins for German teams at home to Spanish opponents prompted talk of a power shift in the European game, but Bayern Munich feel it is too early to draw such a conclusion.
Bayern beat Barcelona 4-0 and face them again in Spain on Wednesday.
Borussia Dortmund beat Real Madrid 4-1 and face them on Tuesday.
Bayern were the last German team to win the Champions League, back in 2001 and were also the last Bundesliga side to win the UEFA Cup/Europa League, the continent’s second-tier club competition, in 1996.
Spanish teams have won four Champions League crowns since 2001, with Barca triumphing three times, and five UEFA Cup/Europa League titles since 1996.
World and European champions Spain have dominated the international game in recent years, beating Germany in the final of Euro 2008 and knocking them out of the 2010 World Cup in the semi-finals.
Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes, who has experience coaching in Spain at Barca’s great rivals Real, Athletic Bilbao and Tenerife, should have a full squad available for Wednesday’s game, with only defender Dante, who has a cold, a doubt.
A striker himself in his playing days for Borussia Moenchengladbach and Hanover 96, Heynckes said Bayern would not be curbing their attacking instincts.
Heynckes also said he will not be instructing his team to play a cautious game on Wednesday despite six players, including defender Philipp Lahm and midfielders Bastian Schweinsteiger and Javi Martinez, risking suspension for the final.
The final is on May 25 at London’s Wembley stadium, where four-times champions Barca won European titles in 1992 and 2011.