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Jean-Marie Pfaff: 'Barcelona over-reliant on Lionel Messi'

Former Bayern Munich goalkeeper Jean-Marie Pfaff claims that Barcelona rely too much on Lionel Messi's performances.

Former Bayern Munich goalkeeper Jean-Marie Pfaff has claimed that Barcelona rely too much on Lionel Messi's performances and believes that his former side will edge it in the two Champions League semi-final legs.

Pfaff, who made over 150 appearances for the German side during the 1980s, thinks the current Bundesliga champions have what it takes to reach the final.

The former Belgian shot-stopper believes that if the Argentine's performance drops then so does half the squad's, making Bayern stronger collectively.

"Barcelona are a great team but I believe Bayern Munich are much stronger collectively," Pfaff said, according to Goal.com.

"If Messi doesn't have a good day, half of the Barcelona 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."

Pep Guardiola will travel to Camp Nou to face his former side in the first leg of the semi-finals on May 6, after Bayern were drawn alongside Barca on Friday afternoon.

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Bayern Munich's Spanish head coach Pep Guardiola (L) looks on during the UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg football match Real Madrid CF vs FC Bayern Munchen at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on April 23, 2014
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CReal Madrid36296183226193
2Barcelona35237572432976
3GironaGirona36236775453075
4Atletico MadridAtletico36234967392873
5Athletic Bilbao361711858372162
6Real BetisBetis35141384641555
7Real Sociedad351412948371154
8Villarreal36149136060051
9Valencia35139133739-248
10Getafe361013134151-1043
11AlavesAlaves36119163445-1142
12Sevilla361011154750-341
13Osasuna36118174054-1441
14Rayo Vallecano36814142944-1538
15Celta Vigo36910174254-1237
16Las PalmasLas Palmas35107183044-1437
17Mallorca36715142941-1236
18CadizCadiz36614162549-2432
RGranada3649233770-3321
RAlmeria35211223570-3517


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