Bayern relishing the pressure as stars vow to down Villarreal

Villarreal’s French midfielder Francis Coquelin (C) fights for the ball with Bayern Munich’s Polish forward Robert Lewandowski (R) during the UEFA Champions League quarter final first leg football match between Villarreal CF and Bayern Munich at La Ceramica stadium in Vila-real on April 6, 2022. (Photo by Pierre-Philippe MARCOU / AFP)

Bayern Munich stars have vowed to knock Villarreal out of the Champions League with Leon Goretzka insisting the German giants are relishing the pressure of Tuesday’s must-win home quarter-final.

“We love these moments and it’s what the fans want to see,” said Goretzka, still sporting a black eye from the bruising first-leg defeat in Spain.

The Germany midfielder predicts that an electric atmosphere at Munich’s Allianz Arena will inspire an improved – “Bayern-like” – performance from the hosts.

Villarreal earned a 1-0 win in last week’s first leg with Dutch striker Arnaut Danjuma netting the early winner in Spain before having a second goal disallowed.

Under pressure Bayern had few answers and were lucky to leave Villarreal’s Estadio de la Ceramica without conceding more.

“We are under pressure,” admitted Bayern head coach Julian Nagelsmann as the German giants face a Champions League quarter-final exit for the second year running.

After their stuttering display at Villarreal, Bayern again struggled against Augsburg on Saturday until a late Robert Lewandowski penalty sealed the 1-0 win.

Nagelsmann wants to see an improvement of “60, 70 per cent”, but insists “on Tuesday we’ll settle the score”.

Goretzka says Bayern relish such challenges at Munich’s Allianz Arena.

“It’s the time of year when knockout games are played and when titles are at stake.

“We’re extremely excited about that.”

Bayern captain