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BERLIN. — Record-breaker Pep Guardiola described Wednesday’s crunch Champions League soccer clash at home to Juventus as effectively being “a final” for Bayern Munich after they warmed up by routing Werder Bremen.

Thomas Mueller and Thiago Alcantara both netted twice on Saturday in Bayern’s 5-0 victory after defeat at home to Mainz and a draw at Borussia Dortmund. With second-placed Dortmund hosting Mainz yesterday, Guardiola’s Bayern took the chance to reopen an eight-point gap in the Bundesliga, but he says all focus is now on Juventus.

Bayern host Juve having drawn their last 16, first leg 2-2 in Turin after throwing away a two-goal lead.

“We played well against Bremen, that is the most important thing for me,” said Guardiola. “I’m the coach, but also a fan of this team and our positioning was better.” — AFP.