Lahm wary of Real Madrid counter-attacks

Bayern Munich must be careful not to be caught out by Real Madrid's counter-attacks in their Champions League tie, says Philipp Lahm.

Published : Apr 10, 2017 22:34 IST

Philipp Lahm is wary of Real Madrid's threat on the counter-attack ahead of Bayern Munich's Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday.

Madrid and Bayern have met 22 times previously in the competition - more than any other clubs - and the Spanish giant destroyed the Bundesliga leader 5-0 on aggregate in the semifinal three years ago.

Bayern dominated possession in the first leg of that clash but Karim Benzema's goal earned Madrid a 1-0 lead at home, which it compounded with a thrilling display at the Allianz Arena, and Bayern captain Lahm said his side ha to learn lessons about Madrid's danger on the break.

"The Champions League is such a tough competition," Lahm told Kicker . "We have to avoid being counter-attacked like we were the last time we played against them.

"This team has had to get used to not having the ball sometimes and knowing that it is okay for the opposition to have it.

"If the defence each maintains our position, then we have the possibility to avoid being countered."

Lahm is due to retire at the end of the season, so the 2014 World Cup winner is playing in the Champions League for the last time, with the 33-year-old noting Bayern will have to be at the top of its game to progress against holder Madrid.

"Everyone in our team has to be at their best because we are playing against an elite team with world-class players in each position," Lahm added.

"That's why we must work hard as a team and to do that we don't only need the 11 starters, but everyone in the squad."

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