Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola says Benfica's excellent defence means his side cannot be considered favourites for their Champions League quarterfinal tie.
Bayern go into the clash with the Portuguese champions as the bookmakers' favourites to reach a fifth consecutive Champions League semifinal. However, Benfica have suffered only one defeat in all competitions since a 2-1 home loss to Atletico Madrid four months ago, winning 17 of their 19 fixtures.
Benfica have conceded only 13 goals in those 19 matches, and Guardiola feels the tie is in the balance ahead of Tuesday's first leg.
"I don't feel like a favourite after I watched Benfica," Guardiola told his prematch news conference. "It will be evenly balanced, they have impressed me. I don't think that we are the favourites. It will be difficult to reach the semifinals.
"Benfica defend very aggressively. Their back four is one of the best in Europe. They allow hardly any chances.
#Pep fully aware of @SLBenfica's defensive strengths. "Their back four is one of the best in Europe!" #FCBSLB pic.twitter.com/eHdkUIB4L2
- FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) April 4, 2016
"They are fast and they are very dangerous, both are strong with the headers as well. They have got a lot of quality."
Guardiola will be able to field a strong team at the Allianz Arena, with only defenders Holger Badstuber and Jerome Boateng, and Dutch winger Arjen Robben missing the tie through injury.
Kingsley Coman, who was rested for Saturday's 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt because of muscular problems, returns to the squad.
Guardiola still harbours hopes of emulating Jupp Heynckes, who won the Treble of Champions League, Bundesliga and DFB Pokal in his final season in charge in 2013.
"Bayern Munich are one of the best clubs in the world, and they've won the Treble only once," he added. "That shows how difficult it is. They have only won the Champions League twice in the past 40 years."