Xabi Alonso has underlined the importance of the Roma match for his Bayern Munich team and believes the Italians are one of the contenders for European glory.
Roma can replace Bayern at the top of Group E with a victory on Tuesday night and the Spaniard has identified this as a must-win game for Bayern to take a step forward towards qualification.
“You could see last season that Roma have taken a step up – they are playing great stuff,” the Spaniard told UEFA.
“We faced them in a pre-season friendly with Madrid, so I know how they play.
“They are definitely going to be challenging for the Scudetto, and they want to reach the next stage in the Champions League.
“So for us, the one in Rome – the first one – is a vital game, because we have got six points from the first two games and we are in a good position.”
The former Real Madrid midfielder then went on to explain how the Champions League is as open as it has been for years, with Roma one of the newer teams emerging and challenging for dominance.
“Favourites? Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, ourselves… Dortmund are always a tricky club to play against. So I respect lots of clubs; Paris Saint Germain as well. It’s quite open,” he explained.
