by Oliver Trust

BERLIN, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Giovane Elber wasted no time outlining what Bayern Munich will need to overcome Bayer Leverkusen in their UEFA Champions League last-16 clash in March.

"Bayern can beat Leverkusen, but we need two good days with everyone in top shape. We all know about Leverkusen's power," said the 52-year-old former Bayern striker, who assisted with the UEFA draw.

Elber's statement subtly hinted at the underdog status of Bayern, a rare position for the club in domestic competition. "It would have been nicer for us to see Bayern play Atletico. In the first leg at home, Bayern must achieve the maximum to be prepared for the second leg," said the 2001 Champions League winner.

The former Brazil international, who earned 15 caps, likely had in mind the recent head-to-head record - Leverkusen is unbeaten in six matches against Bayern since Spanish coach Xabi Alonso took charge.

After securing the 2024 Bundesliga title and German Cup, Leverkusen has seriously challenged Bayern's dominance in German football. Adding to their advantage, Leverkusen will host the decisive second leg.

While Bayern had to navigate a playoff round against Celtic (winning 3-2 on aggregate), Leverkusen advanced directly to the last 16 after finishing among the top eight in the new league phase.

"We need our best level," said Bayern full-back Alphonso Davies, while board member for sport Max Eberl spoke about the two best German sides competing. "We saw serval thrilling duels this season already," the official added.

Indeed, Bayern and Leverkusen played out two league draws, with Leverkusen winning 1-0 in Munich in the German Cup.

"Bayern is a team we know well, but the same applies the other way around," said Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes, calling the tie a "high-level last-16 battle" and a "50-50 case."

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund - Germany's third team in the knockout stage - faces a seemingly more manageable opponent, French club Lille.

Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl described Lille as having a "robust defense", adding that his team is determined to progress.

The winner between Leverkusen and Bayern will face the winner of Feyenoord-Inter Milan match in the quarterfinals, while Dortmund will meet either Benfica or Barcelona if they advance.

Due to the Champions League bracket structure, an all-German showdown is only possible in the semifinals, with just one Bundesliga side able to reach the 2025 final in Munich on May 31. Enditem

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