Yes, Barcelona were poor – in fact, they were awful. But credit to coach Hansi Flick for making them look poor as his Bayern side recorded a humiliating 8-2 Champions League quarter-final victory.
Midfielder Thomas Muller, who scored twice, said the side had “made a statement” in Lisbon. It was some statement:
- Bayern became the first team in Champions League history to score eight goals in a knockout match, and the first in the European Cup since Real Madrid in the 1990-91 last 16 against FC Wacker Innsbruck (9-1 win).
- Barcelona had previously not conceded eight goals since losing 8-0 to Sevilla in the Copa del Rey last 16 in 1946.
- Bayern have won their past 19 matches in all competitions, a record run in German top-flight football in all competitions.
Muller, 30, was also involved for Germany in the 7-1 thrashing of Brazil at the 2014 World Cup. He scored the opener in what was one of the most memorable international fixtures of all time.
Related: Brilliant Bayern smash Barca 8-2 to reach Champions League semifinal
When asked about the comparison between the success over Barcelona and that feat, the man of the match said: “In the win in Brazil we didn’t have the same amount of control. Yes, we were good, but tonight the way we dominated the game was brutal.”
Germany struggled to hit those heights in the final, managing a 1-0 extra-time win over Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
Muller, perhaps with that in mind, added: “Today we have to be very happy. After we wake up and answer the messages on the phone then we have to focus.
“I know about these tournament situations. Most of the time after the big wins it’s difficult.”
Flick was an assistant to head coach Joachim Low in 2014, and he was also asked to compare the wins.
The 55-year-old, who has been in permanent charge since only December, said: “You know that I do not look back because only the here and now matters.
“Yes, we played an outstanding game and we can be happy but we all know we still have hard work to do if we are to stand in the end where we want to stand.”
It is either Manchester City or Lyon in the semi-final, which will take place next Wednesday.
