by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Bayern Munich's biggest task before the second leg of its UEFA Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid may be blocking out distractions.
The German club takes a 2-1 lead into Wednesday's match in Munich, but arrives amid a run of milestones, including birthdays, scoring records and the prospect of a 35th national title.
Coach Vincent Kompany marked his 40th birthday on Friday, while Bayern's 5-0 win over St. Pauli saw Leon Goretzka score the team's 102nd goal of the season, surpassing a 54-year-old club record. Jamal Musiala's opener in that match had already equaled the 1971-72 season mark of 101 goals.
Despite the backdrop, Bayern has treated the achievements as secondary.
Kompany continued his rotation policy against St. Pauli, resting Harry Kane and other key players. He praised the team's attacking intent but stressed that attention is fixed on Madrid.
"I am happy about the many goals, as it shows the team enjoys scoring," Kompany said.
Goretzka joked he was unaware of the record at the time.
"Someone gave me the game ball to take home, and others had to explain what happened," the midfielder said.
The 31-year-old said he was pleased to enter the record books in a more positive way, referencing his own goal for Bayern against Augsburg in February 2019 after just 12 seconds.
Kompany said Kane was left out against St. Pauli as a precaution after feeling a reaction following the first leg. With youngster Lennart Karl unavailable, Kane's involvement against Madrid appears important for Bayern's chances of reaching the semifinals.
"We are aware of what is coming and are full of anticipation for Wednesday's game," Kompany said.
He added that Madrid's current struggles in La Liga are irrelevant given its record in Europe.
"It is what it is, a narrow advantage and another game to play," he said.
Bayern also faces Bayer Leverkusen in their German Cup semifinal on April 22, but Kompany dismissed the significance of recent celebrations.
"What could be better than to forget about celebrations and play a Champions League quarterfinal instead?" he said. ■
