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Real Madrid are unsure how long Luka Modric will be on the sidelines after confirming that the midfielder has suffered a strained knee ligament.
Modric was taken off on the hour mark following a challenge with Recio in Saturday's 3-1 win over Malaga at Santiago Bernabeu.
A statement on Real's official website read: "Following tests carried out on Luka Modric at the La Moraleja Sanitas Hospital by Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been found to have a strain to the medial collateral ligament of his right knee.
"His situation will be monitored."
The victory for Carlo Ancelotti's side came at a cost, with forward Gareth Bale going off after just five minutes with an apparent calf problem.
No update has been provided on the extent of the Wales international's injury, although he is almost certainly a doubt for the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg with city rivals Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
La Liga Review: Granada frustrate Sevilla, Villarreal´s woes continue
19 April 2015
Sevilla missed out on the opportunity to go level on points with Valencia in the UEFA Champions League race, as Unai Emery's side drew 1-1 at Andalusian rivals Granada in La Liga on Sunday.
Three days after a last-gasp 2-1 win over Zenit in the UEFA Europa League, Sevilla appeared laborious and were far from their best, as Diego Mainz proved decisive at both ends of the pitch.
The Granada centre-back put the hosts ahead in the 16th minute and Sevilla failed to find a way back into the contest until the 69th minute.
Again Mainz was involved, turning Aleix Vidal's low cross past his own goalkeeper for his third own-goal of the season, inspiring something of an onslaught from Sevilla towards the end.
But, with Kevin Gameiro's inexplicable miss from two yards in stoppage time, Sevilla were forced to settle for a point, failing to fully capitalise on Valencia's defeat to Barcelona on Saturday, while Granada remain second-from-bottom.
Villarreal's dismal run in the league stretched to six games without a win as Marcelino's men somehow failed to find the net in a 0-0 draw with rock-bottom Cordoba.
The hosts had 28 shots in total, the highest number they have managed in a single match this term, but they could not make the most of their absolute dominance and slumped to an underwhelming stalemate.
In the day's early kick-off, Rayo Vallecano beat Almeria 2-0 to move on to 41 points, effectively securing their status as a top-flight club for another year, with Miku scoring his first goal for the club right at the end.
And a Nolito penalty five minutes before half-time earned Celta Vigo a 1-0 win at Eibar, who remain just three points above Almeria and the drop zone.
The duo had disagreed over the Brazilian's reaction to being substituted against Sevilla, but the player's father says he not fallen out with the coach
Neymar's father has claimed his son and Luis Enrique have kissed and made up behind the scenes at Barcelona.
The Camp Nou coach branded Neymar's reaction - gesturing angrily about being brought off - to being substituted in their 2-2 draw with Sevilla last Saturday as “nonsense”.
Any tensions between the two have clearly been kept under wraps as the Brazilian was chosen to start versus Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday and again in their 2-0 win over Valencia on Saturday, scoring in the former and playing the entire match in the latter.
Neymar's father, who infamously pocketed €40 million from his son's €86.2m move from Santos, says he has spoken to the 23-year-old and insists there is no lingering animosity between the pair.
“I have spoken to Neymar and understood the frustrations,” he told Cuatro.
“The two are at peace now. He is young and he is learning, he will take these moments and use them as lessons.”
Neymar is expected to be back in action on Tuesday when PSG visit Camp Nou looking to turn around Barca's 3-1 advantage in their Champions League quarter-final.
Ancelotti: Madrid must win every game to overhaul Barcelona
By Mark Doyle
Apr 19, 2015 11:12:19
The Blancos currently sit second in the Primera Division standings, two points adrift of their great rivals with just six rounds remaining
Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that Real Madrid will probably have to win all of their games in order to beat Barcelona in this season's Liga title race.
The Blancos currently sit second in the standings, two points behind their Catalan rivals with six rounds remaining.
With Barca in fine form, having won 22 of their last 24 games in al competitions, Ancelotti feels that Madrid will most likely require a flawless finish to the season in order to come out on top.
“Our aim is to keep the race alive for as long as possible," he told reporters. "Both sides have difficult games left.
"At the moment both sides are playing for a lot, and that means that every game is difficult.
"Barcelona have an advantage. We have to try and win all our games to force them to also win."
Ancelotti was speaking after his side's 3-1 victory over Malaga on Saturday, which came courtesy of goals from Sergio Ramos, James Rodriguez and Cristiano Roanldo.
The Italian was pleased with his side's collective performance but he singled midfielders James, Isco and Toni Kroos out for special praise.
"They played well," Ancelotti added. "James was the best, he gave a lot of quality to the side.
"Isco did not have such a great first half but then he played very well in the second half.
"What I most liked is that the players fought and gave everything they had, that is what we needed this match."
Madrid now turn their attention back to the Champions League and Wednesday's quarter-final, second-leg clash with Atletico, which is beautifully balanced after last week's scoreless draw at the Vicente Calderon.
The midfielder was ruled out for six weeks after picking up a knee problem in the win over Malaga, and the Croatia team doctor says the coach should have taken better care of him
Carlo Ancelotti is the man to blame for the injury that has ruled Luka Modric out for six weeks, according to the Croatia national team head doctor Boris Nemec.
The midfielder picked up a knee issue in Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Malaga on Saturday and will miss the remainder of the Liga campaign.
It is the second notable injury the Croatia international has suffered this term, having missed over four months of action with a knee complaint - and the national team medic puts the blame directly at Ancelotti's feet.
"Ancelotti didn't spare Luka at all after he returned from his long term injury," he told Nova TV.
"He played 90 minutes in every match. Ancelotti had put Modric under a lot of pressure, instead of giving him time little by little.
"Modric didn't get injured because of knock he received but because he wasn't 100 per cent ready.
"If he hadn't been overworked, his lower leg wouldn't go to the side in that tackle and crack."
Modric's injury comes at a delicate moment, with Madrid sitting second in La Liga behind Barcelona and preparing for a Champions League quarter-final clash with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Real Madrid reeling as Modric ruled out for six weeks
By Mark Doyle
Apr 19, 2015 10:38:39
The Croatia international sprained a ligament in his right knee in Saturday's 3-1 victory over Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu
Real Madrid have been rocked by the news that Luka Modric will miss the rest of their Liga campaign after being ruled out of action for six weeks.
The midfielder hobbled off 60 minutes into Saturday's Primera Division clash with Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu and the capital club subsequently revealed that he had sprained a ligament in his right knee.
However, the Croatian Football Federation announced on Sunday that Modric will be sidelined for six weeks, meaning he will play no part in the conclusion of the Spanish season, which wraps up on May 24.
Consequently, the former Tottenham playmaker will miss the upcoming clashes with Celta (away), Almeria (home), Sevilla (away), Valencia (home), Espanyol (away) and Getafe (home).
More immediately, of course, Modric will also sit out Wednesday's pivotal Champions League quarter-final, second-leg showdown with city rivals Atletico at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, the 29-year-old would, in theory, be available for the final, should Madrid make it all the way to Berlin to defend their European crown on June 6.
Worryingly for the Blancos, though, Carlo Ancelotti is also sweating on the fitness of winger Gareth Bale, who was also forced off in the 3-1 win over Malaga.
The €100 million man last just five minutes before pulling up with a suspected muscle tear that could see him ruled out of the derby and the remainder of Madrid's bid to overturn their two-point deficit to Barcelona at the top of the Liga standings.
La Liga Review: Granada frustrate Sevilla, Villarreal´s woes continue
19 April 2015 23:41
Sevilla missed out on the opportunity to go level on points with Valencia in the UEFA Champions League race, as Unai Emery's side drew 1-1 at Andalusian rivals Granada in La Liga on Sunday.
Three days after a last-gasp 2-1 win over Zenit in the UEFA Europa League, Sevilla appeared laborious and were far from their best, as Diego Mainz proved decisive at both ends of the pitch.
The Granada centre-back put the hosts ahead in the 16th minute and Sevilla failed to find a way back into the contest until the 69th minute.
Again Mainz was involved, turning Aleix Vidal's low cross past his own goalkeeper for his third own-goal of the season, inspiring something of an onslaught from Sevilla towards the end.
But, with Kevin Gameiro's inexplicable miss from two yards in stoppage time, Sevilla were forced to settle for a point, failing to fully capitalise on Valencia's defeat to Barcelona on Saturday, while Granada remain second-from-bottom.
Villarreal's dismal run in the league stretched to six games without a win as Marcelino's men somehow failed to find the net in a 0-0 draw with rock-bottom Cordoba.
The hosts had 28 shots in total, the highest number they have managed in a single match this term, but they could not make the most of their absolute dominance and slumped to an underwhelming stalemate.
In the day's early kick-off, Rayo Vallecano beat Almeria 2-0 to move on to 41 points, effectively securing their status as a top-flight club for another year, with Miku scoring his first goal for the club right at the end.
And a Nolito penalty five minutes before half-time earned Celta Vigo a 1-0 win at Eibar, who remain just three points above Almeria and the drop zone.
Elche 1 Real Sociedad 0: Bergara gifts win to hosts
20 April 2015 22:39
Markel Bergara gifted Elche's Jonathas the only goal of the game in Real Sociedad's 1-0 La Liga defeat at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero.
Sociedad midfielder Bergara made a real mess of things while in possession in the 19th minute of Monday's match.
The 28-year-old slipped then could only play the ball off Brazilian striker Jonathas as he desperately tried to make amends, allowing the Elche forward to race clear and slot home his 11th Liga goal of the season.
Victory lifts Elche six points adrift of the relegation zone with six games remaining, while David Moyes' Sociedad remain 12th.
Croatia coach Niko Kovac is hopeful he will be able to call upon midfielder Luka Modric when the Group H leaders host Italy in Zagreb in Euro 2016 qualifying in less than two months.
Modric suffered a strained knee ligament during Real's 3-1 win over Malaga at The Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
The Croatia international hobbled off on the hour mark following a challenge in the La Liga clash.
But Modric could be fit in time for Italy's visit to the Croatian capital on June 12, with Kovac's men bidding to remain unbeaten in Euro 2016 qualifying.
"I spoke to Luka and wished him a quick and happy recovery. Clearly it's not easy. He's injured again having got back to an adequate rhythm," Kovac told Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti.
"We've seen in the last month how important he is for Madrid. Moreover, we know what Luka represents for our national side.
"Injuries are part of football. Modric is a great worker and no doubt he'll do the maximum, like the fine professional he is.
"My hope is that he'll have recovered for the game we have against Italy on 12 June. Of course we won't force anything. Luka's health is the most important thing."
Croatia have won four of their five group matches so far to sit two points clear of Italy heading into the top-of-the-table clash at Maksimir Stadium.
Barcelona forward Luis Suarez says it makes him sad to think of former team-mate Steven Gerrard leaving Liverpool.
At the end of this season, Gerrard will depart Anfield and head to LA Galaxy in MLS, thus ending a 17-year playing career with his boyhood club.
The midfielder's last chance to sign off with a trophy disappeared with Sunday's 2-1 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Aston Villa and Suarez, who spent three-and-a-half years at Liverpool with Gerrard, was full of praise for his ex-colleague.
"I try to watch all the Liverpool games. They have really good players," he said.
"It's sad when I hear Stevie is leaving because for me he's an amazing player, and when I was at Liverpool they knew my dream was to play for Barcelona."
Suarez was speaking ahead of Tuesday's UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg with Paris Saint-Germain at Camp Nou, with Barca leading 3-1 thanks in part to a pair of superb Suarez goals in the French capital.
"We know that the result we got last week is good but in this type of game is not definite, especially against such a strong rival as PSG," he said.
"I think the easiest thing to think is that this tie is over, but it's not, we know they have players with a lot of quality, and they can tilt the tie in their favour.
"So we have to approach the match the way we did last week with the same intensity and as events unfold in the match we'll have to deal with them."
Spanish left-back Jose Gaya said Valencia have "six finals left" in their bid to secure UEFA Champions League football next season.
Last week's 2-0 loss at Barcelona left Valencia (65) four points adrift of reigning La Liga champions Atletico Madrid (69), who occupy the third and final automatic qualifying spot for the Champions League.
Fifth-placed Sevilla (63) are only two points behind Valencia for the qualifying-round position with six matches remaining.
But Gaya said his team-mates cannot dwell on their defeat at the Camp Nou.
"There are six finals left and what we have to do is win the first, which is against Granada on Monday," Gaya told Valencia's website.
"From there we will continue looking at the fixtures, but what's most important is the Granada match because a lot is at stake.
"What we have to continue doing is working as we have done until now and focus on the objective of the Champions League, which is very nice and very exciting.
"We have to keep looking ahead, prepare well for the match against Granada and produce a good week in training."
After Granada, Valencia will take on Rayo Vallecano, Eibar, Real Madrid, Celta Vigo and Almeria.
Neymar believes Barcelona are in their best form of the season after his double in the quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain sent the Catalan club into the UEFA Champions League last four.
A first-half brace from the Brazil forward gave Barca 5-1 aggregate win and took Luis Enrique's men past 1,000 goals in European competition.
Barca are unbeaten in their last 13 games and have now reached the last four of the Champions League in six of the last seven seasons.
And Neymar, whose double took him to 30 goals for the season, said in quotes reported by AS: "I think this is Barca's best form of the season.
"We're in a great form in the Champions League, the league, everything. We have to keep it up.
"I'm very happy for the season we're having and we have to continue like this to reach our objectives, keep progressing until the end."
Coach Luis Enrique added: "It was a very good round, we have been at a high level in both games.
"It was key to stay concentrated. The team has taken the tie seriously and made a great match."
Messi can stay at Barcelona until he retires - Bartomeu
By Peter McVitie
Apr 20, 2015 23:11:55
The club's president says he hopes the Argentine stays at Camp Nou for years to come and admits that they are not thinking about a move for Paul Pogba
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has said he would like Lionel Messi to stay at the club until he retires.
The Argentine has been at the Blaugrana since he was 13, making his way through the youth system to win six Liga titles, three Champions Leagues and two Club World Cups with the team, plus four Ballon d'Or individually. He is also their top all-time scorer.
Messi was linked with a move away from Camp Nou earlier this season, but Bartomeu insists he will always be welcome to stay put.
"We work with a leader like Messi, who is the best in the world, but also in history." he told RMC. "He has a place here until he decides to quit football."
The club chief was asked about the likelihood of the Blaugrana making a move to sign Paul Pogba from Juventus, but he says they are not thinking about it.
"Pogba is a great player, but in this moment we are not thinking about additions. It’s true that we have a sanction that prevents us from signing players until January 2016. We are working so that some will players arrive, and others can leave.
“We are preparing for next season, but we will not provide the names here. Pogba is a good player, one who has a contract with an Italian team that I respect a lot.
“For the moment, it is not expected that we will sign anyone, but everyone wants to have the great players. Also, we have players that the others clubs would like to have."
The former Bayern Munich attacker believes no one will ever reach the heights of the Barcelona and Real Madrid stars again
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have reached heights that will never be repeated, according to former Ballon d'Or winner Jean-Pierre Papin.
The duo have been considered the two best players in the world for close to a decade, with the pair sharing the award Papin won in 1991 on the last seven occasions.
And the ex-France forward believes the pair are "spectacular" talents.
"They're unique," he told AS. "They are spectacular. They are destroying the striker's role."
The 51-year-old also believes Barcelona have what it takes to beat Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final and go on to win the competition, as well as La Liga this term. Papin, however, feels Real Madrid have deteriorated since last term.
"I think Barca can win the Champions League and La Liga. They have three golden attackers. Luis Suarez was crazy in the first leg against PSG. In the first match he worked for the good of the team and within 20 minutes he won the game.
"Messi is on another level; if he does not want to play, he will walk, but if he is motivated, he flies.
"Madrid are not as strong as they were last season, really. They have great players, exceptional players, but it is harder for them to beat Barcelona."
Real Madrid sources have rejected claims by Croatia doctor Boris Nemec that the Italian is responsible for the midfielder's ligament problem that will see him sidelined six weeks
By Alberto Piñero & Ben Hayward in Madrid
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is not to blame for the latest injury suffered by Luka Modric, club sources have told Goal.
Modric limped off after an hour of Madrid's 3-1 win at home to Malaga in La Liga on Saturday and the club announced later that he would be sidelined for six weeks with ligament damage in his knee.
That means he is unlikely to appear again this season and he will definitely miss Madrid's crucial Champions League clash at home to Atletico on Wednesday night.
The former Tottenham midfielder only returned to action in March after four months on the sidelines with a thigh injury and Croatia doctor Boris Nemec believes Ancelotti is at fault for over-playing the 29-year-old since his comeback last month.
"Ancelotti didn't spare Luka at all after he returned from his long-term injury," Nemec told Nova TV. "He played 90 minutes in every match. Ancelotti put Modric under a lot of pressure, instead of giving him time little by little.
"Modric didn't get injured because of the knock he received but because he wasn't 100 per cent ready. If he hadn't been overworked, his lower leg wouldn't go to the side in that tackle and crack."
However, Madrid have dismissed Nemec's comments out of hand.
Club sources have told Goal that the midfielder's latest injury has nothing to do with his recent problem and have cited two reasons.
Firstly, Modric suffered ligament damage in his right knee on Saturday, having been sidelined with a problem in his left thigh from November to March. And secondly, the new problem arose due to an accidental clash with Recio against Malaga.
Since his 32-minute cameo against Schalke on March 10, Modric played 78, 88, 90, 90, 61 and 90 minutes in six matches before going off injured after an hour against Malaga.
Ancelotti, though, is known for his cautious approach as far as injuries are concerned and the club have complete faith in the Italian when it comes to his management of injured players.
Modric, meanwhile, has said he still hopes to play some part in Madrid's season and is aiming to return to action in May.
The 24-year-old has made only four first team appearances since his summer move from Sao Paulo and his representative is not happy with the way the club are treating him
The agent of Barcelona right-back Douglas has criticised the club for treating him unfairly.
The 24-year-old joined from Sao Paulo last August but has failed to make any kind of impact at Camp Nou.
The Brazilian has been limited to only one Liga appearance and three Copa del Rey games - coming on as a substitute twice - and has rarely been named on the bench either.
Douglas' representative, Marcos Casseb, is disappointed with the way the player has been treated, but says he will not be looking for a way out of Catalunya any time soon.
"They're being unfair with Douglas," Casseb told RAC1. "But we have no intention of leaving Barcelona."
Douglas joined Barca for an initial fee of €4 million from the Brazilian club.
Del Bosque: Not enough Spanish players at top clubs
By Peter McVitie
Apr 21, 2015 16:07:44
The Spain coach believes the big teams in La Liga need to produce more homegrown players but is happy to see the clubs perform well in Europe
Vicente del Bosque says there are not enough Spanish players playing in the biggest teams in La Liga.
Four of Real Madrid's starting XI in their recent win over Malaga were Spanish, while Barcelona started with three as they beat Valencia 2-0 on Saturday.
And Del Bosque says he is happy to see the top teams in Spain do well in the Champions League, but admits the lack of Spanish players makes his job difficult.
"Every time, I am struggling to find Spanish players in the big sides, that does not mean it's bad for the clubs, but logically it is a little problem for us," he told reporters at a charity event.
Real Madrid and Atletico will meet in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday, while Barcelona have one foot in the last four as they take a 3-1 lead over Paris Saint-Germain back to Camp Nou for Tuesday night's game.
Del Bosque refused to pick a winner between the two Madrid teams, but is happy to see Liga clubs progress in the European competition.
"The best team will win," he added. "It's good that we will have Spanish semi-finalists."
The 64-year-old also touched on 19-year-old Valencia left-back Jose Gaya.
"He has proven himself and is a player of a good level at Valencia. He interests me and it is good that players like Gaya are coming through."
Atletico Madrid v Elche: Simeone´s side bidding to overcome European exit
23 April 2015
Three days after their UEFA Champions League exit, Atletico Madrid will switch their focus to guaranteeing a return to next season's competition through La Liga when they host Elche.
Atletico were defeated 1-0 by Real Madrid in their quarter-final second leg on Wednesday, as Javier Hernandez's late strike saw the holders through following a goalless first encounter.
That reverse effectively ended Atletico's hopes of claiming any further silverware this season, with Diego Simeone's side lying nine points behind leaders Barcelona in the league with six games to go.
The defending Liga champions occupy third - the final automatic Champions League qualification berth - and with a four-point gap to Valencia, Simeone's men still have plenty to play for in the remaining weeks of the campaign.
"We faced a great team that has a much bigger budget than us," defender Miranda said after the defeat to Real.
"They can hire many players and we tried, but unfortunately we conceded a goal with two minutes remaining.
"It was a difficult game. We were eliminated and now we have to lift our heads and think about the next game."
Atletico's recent domestic record is strong, with just one defeat in their past 14 outings, including four wins from their last five.
Striker Antoine Griezmann has encapsulated their impressive form, the France international netting six goals in his last four league games to take his tally to 20 in his debut season at Vicente Calderon.
Visitors Elche have managed only seven more than that between them in 2014-15, Fran Escriba's side having toiled at the wrong end of the table for much of the campaign.
However, back-to-back victories over Cordoba and Real Sociedad have lifted them to 14th, six points clear of the drop zone.
The strugglers suffered a blow this week with the news that Jose Angel Alonso has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
The defender has made 13 league appearances this season, but is now expected to be out for around six months, with surgery scheduled for mid-May.
Atletico's only major injury concern surrounds Mario Suarez, who is struggling with a hamstring problem.
In their three meetings with Atletico since gaining promotion to La Liga at the end of 2012-13, Elche have lost 2-0 on each occasion.
They have their work cut out to amend that record against a side that has lost only once at home in the league since May 2013.
Espanyol v Barcelona: Leaders out to continue dominance of Catalan derby
23 April 2015
With hopes of a domestic and European treble still burning brightly, Barcelona's next test comes at city rivals Espanyol in La Liga on Saturday.
Luis Enrique's side have enjoyed a productive week, with Tuesday's 2-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain sealing a 5-1 aggregate success and a place in the last four of the UEFA Champions League for the seventh time in eight seasons.
With a Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao still to look forward to and a two-point lead over Real Madrid at the summit, Barca are on course to repeat their treble-winning feat of 2008-09.
They can take confidence from a strong record in this derby, with six successive wins over Espanyol and no defeats since a 2-1 reverse in February 2009.
The reverse fixture at Camp Nou in December saw Barca run out 5-1 victors, with Lionel Messi netting a hat-trick.
With Real not taking on Celta Vigo until Sunday, Luis Enrique's men have the chance to extend their lead to five points, temporarily at least.
Sitting 10th in the table, Espanyol have seemingly little to play for other than local pride, although Sergio's men have gone six matches unbeaten, including an impressive 3-0 win at Villarreal earlier this month.
Felipe Caicedo scored twice in that victory and the Ecuador international believes his side's strong form can help them cause an upset.
"We hope to play well at home lately: go for the goal and for the result," he said.
"We trust that we can make a great match, we feel good, we are on a good run and we want to take advantage of our condition. We hope the fans will give us support from the first minute.
"It's a great opportunity to prove that we are strong at home and we feel comfortable.
"They have great players; the great strength of Barcelona is in their attack, because they have great offensive players, we know of their potential.
"We will see how we can counteract the potential Barcelona have. We have clear ideas and we have to keep playing our football."
Caicedo also netted in the 2-2 draw with Levante last time out, taking his tally in all competitions this season to 12 and the former Manchester City man is hoping to add to that number on Saturday.
"I'm having a bit more prominence, but a player always wants more," he said. "I hope to continue in this line. I want more."
Former Bayern Munich goalkeeper Jean-Marie Pfaff questioned whether Barcelona can reach the UEFA Champions League final if Lionel Messi does not play well.
Barcelona were drawn against Bayern in the Champions League semi-finals on Friday, with the Bavarians' coach Pep Guardiola set to face his former club in a competitive fixture for the first time since moving to Germany.
Bayern stormed into the last-four with a 6-1 second-leg demolition of Porto on Tuesday to claim a 7-4 aggregate victory, while Barca cruised past Paris Saint-Germain 5-1.
Pfaff, who played for Bayern between 1982 and 1988, reckons the German club have the edge on Barca in terms of depth.
"Barcelona is a great team but I believe the collective Bayern Munich is much stronger," the Belgian said.
"If at Barcelona Messi doesn't have a good day, half of the team isn't good. The striker can be good but if the last pass doesn't come it's difficult.
"I think the whole team of Bayern Munich, from the goalkeeper to any other player can combine very well."
Barca will host the first leg and, while Pfaff does not deny that Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez make up one of the most dangerous attacks in world football, the 61-year-old is confident Bayern can match the Catalan club across 180 minutes.
"Yes, this is a difficult game. And this is of course a very big game," he said.
"To play in Barcelona against Neymar, Messi and Suarez; with these three strikers the defence of Bayern Munich has to stay very concentrated.
"But the game is about two lots of 90 minutes. And so I think that Bayern Munich will go through."
