James on UCL semis: Bayern don't have to look at Real Madrid games as revenge

Bayern Munich will not be taking on Real Madrid with revenge in mind after last season's defeat, James Rodriguez has insisted.

The Colombian was part of the Real side which overcame Bayern at the quarter-final stage in 2016/17.

However, he is now on the other side of the divide and is ready to help the German side attempt to end Los Blancos' stranglehold on the competition.

"We shouldn't see the two games against Madrid as revenge or rematches from last year," he told TZ newspaper.

"What we must do is look at them as simply being two more games on the way to the final and playing a team like Real Madrid, we must be in the best possible shape.

"We must believe in ourselves, remain calm and put up two strong games, but it won't be easy because they know what it takes to fight for this title every year and are making history.

"But history has also shown that Bayern know how to face these games and we aren't going to hide away from anything."

The former Porto man was also quizzed on Real's late penalty in the previous round but insisted the focus should be on their hard work rather than any controversy.

"That's Real Madrid, it is what the club does. They want to win every game and try until the last minute," he explained.

"They tried until the final second and their efforts were rewarded with the penalty. If you keep trying until the end, you'll get your rewards."

Although Rodriguez also had praise for his old teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, he also warned that Bayern cannot afford to solely focus on the Portuguese star.

"He's a goalscoring machine who is always there whenever he is needed so we have to be strong as a team to try to make sure he doesn't have his best day," he continued.

"But it is the same with other players. Real aren't just Ronaldo, they have great players in other positions and what's clear is that it won't be easy."