"I never felt like the favourite at the Bernabéu"

After countless bouts at the Bernabéu, first as a Barça player and then in the 'Azulgranas' dugout, Pep Guardiola is heading back to Madrid. Now the Bayern Munich manager, the Catalan is preparing for his baptism in what is another classic European fixture.

The Bayern boss spared a moment to talk to MARCA in the mixed zone after Saturday's unconvincing win over Braunschweig.Guardiola is well aware that Bayern will have to play better in Madrid: "Obviously we have to raise our game. The momentum will be with Real after having won the [Spanish Cup] final, but we will go to the Bernabéu looking to compete".

Having had such an easy time domestically could come back to haunt Bayern: "Real Madrid have an advantage of sorts in that regard. We won the league a while ago and that's led us to take our feet off the pedal a bit, but we will try to recapture our best form as soon as possible".

Guardiola expects Ronaldo to play: "I always think that on occasions like these, the top players will play if they have the slightest chance of doing so. I can't speak for Cristiano Ronaldo, but anyway it's not all about him: Real Madrid are no one-man team". The Catalan tactician is playing the underdog card: "Every time I've been to the Bernabéu, both as a player and as a coach, never in my mind have I felt like the favourite. I have too much respect for Real".