No matchup in the 2013 Champions league quarterfinals is more hotly anticipated than the battle between Juventus and Bayern Munich.
Munich has been a top contender for the trophy since its powerful run a year ago while Juventus has been unbeatable over its last five matches in the tournament and has not allowed a goal in that span.
The Italian side is inching closer to capturing the Italian title, but is also focused on its match on Tuesday against Munich.
"We're going to Munich with no fear and a lot of confidence. We'll be up against a strong Bayern side, but we believe in this dream," said Juventus coach Antonio Conte.
Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon recently noted that his team was more than capable of giving the German giants a major challenge in these coming weeks. "I don't think they'll be happy to face us, meaning we're respected and possess a certain fear factor." However, it will be tough to try and win it. There are three or four teams, including Bayern, who have a better Champions League record than ours in recent years. But the good thing is that everyone starts off on a level playing field. A slice of luck or detail could be the difference."
However, the German side does not seem afraid of the challenge that the Italians pose.
"There is no fear of Juventus," said Munich midfielder Thomas Müller during an interview with Tages Zeitung. "The Italians will be a tricky opponent, but we are not in awe of them.
"Andrea Pirlo, Gigi Buffon, Claudio Marchisio and Mirko Vucinic are excellent, but we too have players with great quality," he added. "We should also not forget that we have done very well in recent games against them."
Munich is coming off a dominant 9-2 win against Hambürg in the German Bundesliga.
The first leg takes place on Tuesday at 2:45 PM EST.
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