The 26-year-old forward has been at his usual prolific best for Bayern Munich this season, and he believes that UEFA Champions League favourites Barcelona are no better than Bayern.
Thomas Muller scored in Bayern’s 2-2 draw against Juventus in the Round of 16 tie. The German international has scored 25 goals in 36 appearances for the Bavarians this season, and will play a key role in the decisive second leg at the Allianz Arena.
He was recently asked about what he thought of Barcelona, who are considered the favourites to win the Champions League. Muller said that Bayern were prepared to deal with the threat of the Barca strike trio of Messi, Suarez and Neymar, and that he didn’t think the Catalans were any better than Bayern.
“We are on the same level as Barcelona. First in the league, still in the domestic cup and with a decent result in the first leg (of Champions League round of 16 games). I don’t know where they come out better,” said Muller to German publication Sport1.
“They are just in a great run of form, having won the treble last season. But I see Bayern Munich at the forefront of the Europe, alongside Barcelona of course.”
Bayern tried hard, but in the end it didn’t matter
Bayern Munich fell victim to Barcelona last time around in the Champions League, losing 5-3 on aggregate in the semi-finals. The Catalans went on to beat Juventus and claim the grand prize, while all that Bayern could do was to contemplate on how close they were to the big win.
Pep Guardiola’s men were humiliated on his return to the Camp Nou, losing 3-0 thanks to a Lionel Messi brace and a late goal by Neymar. They found themselves trailing again in the second leg, this time at home in the Allianz Arena, after a brace by Neymar in the first half. Bayern managed to avoid disgrace here though, eventually scoring three goals to win the game.
