Bayern vow to attack Atletico's miserly defence

Munich (Germany) (AFP) – Javi Martinez has promised Bayern Munich will attack Atletico Madrid’s one goal advantage from the first whistle in Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final, second-leg, as two of Europe’s most miserly defences go head-to-head.

Bayern have leaked just 15 goals in 32 league games in Germany’s top flight this season, while Atletico have conceded just 16 times in their 36 La Liga matches.

Diego Simeone’s Atletico have won all of their last seven games and have not conceded a goal in the last 602 minutes.

Atletico have arrived in Munich holding a slender lead after Saul Niguez’s early solo strike in last Wednesday’s first leg sealed Madrid’s 1-0 home win.

Bayern have lost just twice in 23 previous home meetings against Spanish sides in Europe.

They have won their 11 home Champions League games since being thrashed 4-0 in Munich by Real Madrid two years ago in the semi-finals.

SEE MORE: Schedule of Bundesliga games on US TV and live streaming

Bayern need at least a goal — and must stop Atletico from scoring — to keep their dreams of reaching a fourth Champions League final in seven years.

Martinez says they will be going all out at the sold-out Allianz Arena.

“We are going to attack from the first minute and we want to score an early goal,” said the Spain international.

“We know it’s going to be difficult to score against them, they defend with 11 men and are very compact, but we have one of the best attacks in Europe and we have to show patience.

“We know we have to prevent them from scoring.

“They didn’t just get to the Champions League semi-final by playing well in defence, they have great players, who like to go forward.

SEE MORE: Schedule of Champions League games on US TV and live streaming

“Atletico have one of the strongest defence in Europe, but I think we can reach the final because I trust my team and we are strong across the board.

“We are going to have more ball and fight for the result with our fans behind us, it’ll be very different at home for us.”

Bayern coach Pep Guardiola is bidding to avoid losing to Spanish opposition in the semi-finals of the Champions League for the third year running after losing to Real, then Barcelona in his previous campaigns.

“We want possession, we want to attack and score goals, but that won’t be easy against Atletico,” said the 45-year-old, who will coach Manchester City next season.

“They have good defensive players, but they are very good going forward and are compact, but we will try and fight our way through.”