How Bayern Munich's Players Reacted to Thumping Win Over Barcelona

Bayern Munich were unstoppable as they ran riot in an 8-2 demolition of Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Friday, but their players appear to be fully aware that they must not get carried away.

It was an emphatic win that left Barça humiliated. Indeed, the Catalan giants hadn't a clue how to deal with Bayern's quick, intricate and incisive play in attack.

Even when the Bundesliga champions found themselves 5-2 up and cruising, they continued to push forward and searched for more - such is the winning mentality within the side.

It was ruthless, it was a destruction and it was a night that will live long in the memory of everyone involved with the club. But even as the players conducted their post-match interviews, it was clear to see their mindsets and determination. Rather than getting carried away by the manner of the win, each player was keen to stress that the result has no impact on the outcome of their semi-final clash.

Indeed, Joshua Kimmich - who grabbed Bayern's fifth goal - insisted that his team still have more to give. He told Sky Sports (as quoted by Goal): "Brutal. It’s hard to comprehend beating Barcelona 8-2.

"We were so focused from the first minute, we wanted to get forward with intent. An incredible result in the end, but we’re not done yet."

Elsewhere, Thomas Muller was keen to share his delight after the game, explaining how he had 'so much fun'. But again, the German stressed that despite the phenomenal win, the next game is a completely new challenge and they must be prepared for it.

“We feel good after this match, it was very special,” Muller told BT Sport. “This tournament is special, it is a big statement but the nest game in the semi-final starts at 0-0, the statement doesn’t matter.

“That is our business. We are not here for the quarter-final or semi-final, we are here to win the final. I know these tournament situations a lot and most of the time after these big wins it is more difficult so we have to be careful.”

Muller added: “It’s hard to explain, in this moment our team is in incredible shape. We worked so hard, we work with this intensity and it is so hard for people to beat us. We had so much fun today."

Thiago Alcantara - who was sensational on the night against his former club - further drilled home the need to remain focused, saying (as quoted by Goal): "For respect for my friends, the club I've been to and my colleagues, I think they are a great club and that they will turn around any situation that comes their way.

"This result gives us more confidence, especially against a team like Barça, but we know that it was only to go to the next round and we have not won anything. We have played as if it were a final only to go to semi, nothing more."

As for Manuel Neuer, while he conceded twice, he wasn't involved as much as he thought he would be - or equally, as much as his counterpart was. Indeed, fellow Germany international Marc-Andre ter Stegen conceded eight times despite being recognised as one of the world's finest shot-stoppers, and Neuer admitted he felt sorry for him.

"I'm a little sorry for Marc-Andre Ter Stegen that he conceded so many goals," said Neuer, as quoted by AS. "It's good for us, of course, but you wouldn't wish that on any team-mate from the national team."

One player who felt no remorse for the win was Leon Goretzka. As a player who idolised Lionel Messi growing up, the question was thrown to him after the contest if he was sad to see the Argentine so badly humiliated. But the German brutally responded, as quoted by the Metro: "No, it didn’t hurt, it was fun actually.

"It’s difficult to put this into words so soon after the game. I think it will take a couple of days to process this result. We have so much confidence, but as we just said in the changing room we’ve taken the first of three steps."

Of course, a number of players have since taken to their official social media accounts to reflect on the win, expressing their delight. One such player was Robert Lewandowski, who netted his 14th goal in the Champions League on Friday to continue his remarkable run of form.

Bayern have proven they are the team to beat in the Champions League this season. Manchester City or Lyon will next face the challenge of keeping out the lethal team led by Hansi Flick.