The Germany icon feels the Bundesliga champions will go into the game as underdogs, whereas Matthias Sammer expects an even tie

Bayern Munich honorary president Franz Beckenbauer believes his side are the underdogs in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

The Bundesliga champions impressed on Tuesday with a 6-1 win over Porto in the second leg of their quarter-final tie, ensuring a 7-4 aggregate triumph.

Yet the Bayern legend is even more impressed by the Catalans, who saw off Paris Saint-Germain with ease in the quarter-finals.

"Barcelona are the favourites for me," Beckenbauer told reporters. "It's not that Bayern do not stand a chance, but they are not the favourites."

Sporting director Matthias Sammer, on the other hand, thinks it will prove to be an even tie where both sides have as much chance as each other to make it to the final in Berlin.

"I am really looking forward to it. I think it's a 50-50 tie," he said. "Both sides have an attack that's among the best in the world. Barcelona have some superb players, but so do Bayern.

"It's all about focusing on our own strengths. Guardiola's return to Camp Nou? Coaches are always the centre of attention, but they are not the ones taking to the pitch.

"There is nothing better in football than big games like this."

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