Iniesta: "I don't think Bayern is the favourite"

Andrés Iniesta, possibly the most loved and respected player in Spanish football, optimistically looked ahead to the forthcoming Champions League semi-final between Barcelona and Bayern Munich. The man who scored perhaps Spain's most important goal of all-time respects the strong German side, but does not believe Barça is in any way inferior.

"I don't think Bayern is the favourite. It is a great club that has been playing well for several seasons, with fantastic players. The team has won the Bundesliga, has reached the German Cup final and the Champions League semi-finals. The tie will be exciting", Iniesta told MARCA.

"We would all love to be in this position at this point of the season every year. We've been knocked out of the Copa del Rey, but we're on course to win the league and the Champions League semi-final is just one step from the final in London", he added.

"The league is the most important title for me, as it reflects consistency and the work you put in day after day. The Champions League is very prestigious, but it's a competition which is very tough, special and unique. People do value the league", the Spaniard said.

"I would love us to reach the final at Wembley, which is important. As for the other (semi-final), we'll see what happens", he said at the prospect of facing Real Madrid.