Bayern Munich's veteran Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso has warned against underestimating Benfica, who will face the Bavarian football giants in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, and noted that his team must play both first and second legs with full concentration.
Alonso on Friday said that Benfica have performed well in previous rounds, and his team must focus on the upcoming two games against the Portuguese side, reports Efe.
"Of course bigger names were possible," the 2010 World Cup winner said, referring to the results of the draw on Friday in the Swiss city of Nyon.
Austrian teammate David Alaba shared the same view and stressed that Benfica are a dangerous rival, especially after the Eagles earned their qualification to the quarter-finals with two wins against the Russian Zenit Saint Petersburg in the round of 16.
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