Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha issues stern warning ahead of Champions League clash with Benfica

For weeks now, the Portuguese international has been flying under the radar after his transfer from English Premier League side Fulham to German powerhouse Bayern Munich last summer.

The €50 million (S$71.7 million) that the Bavarians paid made headlines, but the 29-year-old midfielder then appeared to vanish on the bench, losing the starting spot to Alex Pavlovic.

However, due to Pavlovic’s shoulder injury, the 33-time capped international was thrust into action.

While he has been making more statements since returning to the pitch, attention has now reached new heights ahead of the match against Benfica of Portugal.

Born in Lisbon, with his parents and brother still living near the Portuguese capital, Palhinha has become a sought-after figure in the media.

“It’s a final for us,” said the former Fulham and Sporting Lisbon midfielder, sounding the alarm for the 2020 treble winners. “We have a very important game on Wednesday, and that’s what we’re focusing on now.

“Benfica have developed very well since their change of coach. For me, it’s obviously a special game. We’ll fight, we want to play our game and win.”

Despite Bayern riding a wave of success in the domestic league, the pressure from a disappointing Champions League campaign is mounting.

With two losses in their first three group-stage matches in the 2024-25 season, this week’s clash is a must-win for the Bavarians, currently ranked 23rd.

Wins against Benfica, Paris Saint-Germain, Shakhtar Donetsk, Feyenoord, and Slovan Bratislava are essential to secure a spot in the top eight and direct qualification for the knockout stage.

Following three consecutive wins in the Bundesliga and the German Cup (with a combined 12-0 scoreline), confidence is building, Palhinha said.

“But we all know what’s next,” he added.

The Portuguese acknowledged Benfica’s recent surge under coach Bruno Lage, which includes a 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid.

And with the 2025 Champions League final set to take place in Munich on May 31, Bayern’s goal is clear.

“But before we talk about the final, we have important tasks ahead,” Palhinha emphasised, referring a recent 1-0 defeat by Aston Villa and a 4-1 setback against Barcelona.

The loss to Barca still weighs on the team, he felt, adding that coach Vincent Kompany’s side is determined to turn things around.

“We want to make up for that, it drives us. We need to prove our quality,” he said.

As Palhinha becomes a vital presence, closing gaps in midfield has taken on greater importance in Bayern’s entertaining but risky style of play.

“We have a fantastic team with high quality,” he added. “It’s a challenge, no doubt, but with this squad, I believe we can handle the pressure and the challenges.” XINHUA