Opponents CSKA are by no means to be underestimated, as they won the Russian double last season and are undefeated so far this term. “It'll be complex. They’re a physically strong team," warned Guardiola. Russian teams can be extremely dangerous at this early stage of the season, as the domestic league begins in mid-July and clubs have plenty of games already under their belt.
“They have good individuals, but their greatest strength is unity and determined team play," commented captain Lahm. Bayern naturally intend to counter that with their own well-known strengths, “and make sure we take three points straight away," commented Toni Kroos, “we laid the foundations for last year's success in the group stage." Nor have the players forgotten just how much 25 May 2013 meant to them, the club and the fans. “We know how good it was," said Neuer, “and we've set our sights on the same target."