Football
Mark Lovell, Bayern Munich blogger 8y

Bayern Munich skipper Philipp Lahm not out for revenge vs. Atletico

Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm says that the club's Champions League semifinal defeat at the hands of Atletico Madrid is still fresh in the memory but he isn't out for revenge when the two meet again on Wednesday.

Diego Simeone's side knocked out the German champions on away goals five months ago -- the third straight season the Bavarians exited at the semifinal stage to a Spanish side under Pep Guardiola's tutelage.

And, after eight straight wins in all competitions, Lahm agreed that it was the stiffest test of their credentials so far this season.

"Games between Spanish and German clubs are always special. With last season's runners-up facing the semifinalists, it's a top game," he told a news conference. "We've got off to a great start by winning all our games but tomorrow is the biggest challenge.

"We want to win. We don't travel anywhere intent on playing for a draw, but we could live with a point."

Both sides started this campaign with a win, Bayern thrashing competition newcomers FC Rostov 5-0 while the La Liga side narrowly defeated PSV Eindhoven 1-0 in the Netherlands.

And Lahm downplayed the second group game's importance, saying: "It doesn't matter what happens on Wednesday, we are still in the group stage."

Meanwhile, Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti renews his rivalry with Simeone. The 57-year-old Italian led Real Madrid to La Decima (a 10th European Cup success) against bitter rivals Atletico following a last-gasp comeback in the 2014 Champions League final.

"He's a good friend and one of the best trainers around. I admire his style," said Ancelotti.

"Everyone knows all about Atleti, who have really excelled in the last few seasons. It's always a difficult game against Atleti and we need a good performance."

Ancelotti added that the hierarchy at former employers Real Madrid hadn't been in touch but was still looking forward to the game.

"It's always nice to return to Madrid, although circumstances could be a little nicer. No one from Madrid has contacted me from Real, but they're all in Germany anyway at the moment [to face Dortmund]," he joked.

Ancelotti also confirmed that Mats Hummels was available to face Atleti after hobbling off at the weekend in the Bundesliga with a knee injury, saying: "Hummels had a problem in the last game but he trained well yesterday and is ready for tomorrow."

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