Bayern Munich are keen to stress that they are not taking Benfica lightly after drawing the Portuguese champions in the Champions League quarterfinals.
Pep Guardiola's Bayern survived a scare as they beat Juventus 6-4 on aggregate in the round of 16 to reach the final eight of Europe's elite club competition.
Benfica, meanwhile, won both legs in a 3-1 aggregate victory over Russian side Zenit St Petersburg to reach the quarterfinals.
"It won't be easy: they are a strong side," said David Alaba, who on Friday signed a contract extension to stay at Bayern until 2021. "I don't really know them that well. But I think we'll be well prepared for it."
.@David_Alaba on #FCBSLB: "We're looking forward to it, but it won't be an easy match. @SLBenfica are deservedly in the quarterfinal." #UCL
- FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) March 18, 2016
Xabi Alonso was quick to back up his teammate, talking up the quality of the Benfica side.
"We must respect the opponent," Alonso said. "They have reached the quarterfinals. They played a good season in Portugal last year.
"At this stage, everyone is difficult. There are bigger names -- Real [Madrid], Barcelona, [Manchester] City, Paris Saint-Germain -- but we have to be on top of our game."
Benfica currently lead the Primeira Liga by two points and believe they have the quality to trouble Bayern.
"Together we are capable of achieving anything," said midfielder Eduardo Salvio. "We've proved before that we can do what others thought was impossible."
ESPN FC's Germany correspondent Stephan Uersfeld contributed to this report
