Topics: Pep Guardiola, Bayern Munich, UEFA Champions League, Benfica, Porto
Bayern Munich vs. Benfica is not a fixture that happens often, but when it does, some interesting things happen. We take a look at some interesting facts, stats, and if underdogs Benfica have any chance.

Given that they had to work overtime - no pun intended - to see off Juventus, many Bayern Munich fans were certainly hoping that die Roten would get a more favorable draw in the next round. The two-legged round of 16 tie between the Bavarian powerhouse and the Serie A titans was indeed one of the more entertaining ones so far in this tournament, but after edging the Bianconeri 6-4 on aggregate, Pep Guardiola's side surely were not looking forward to the prospect of taking on reigning champions Barcelona at this stage.

Well, fortunately, the Bundesliga champions have been "rewarded" with a more favorable draw in a two-legged tie against Benfica. Although the Eagles are viewed as Portugal's most successful team, they are nonetheless viewed as the underdogs, and the stats below will probably make Benfica supporters want to look away.

Or perhaps not. Let's have a look.

1. Bayern Munich vs. Benfica...it's been a long time coming

Bayern Munich has crossed paths with many of Europe's big sides, with names like Barcelona, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, and Real Madrid being among the teams they have faced in the knock-out rounds over the past few seasons. However, Benfica is not one outfit they have faced often, and in fact, their upcoming meeting in April will be the first time in 20 seasons. Still, matches against Benfica have proven to be a good omen for die Roten, especially if one looks at their three past meetings.

2. When Bayern beat Benfica...they win the European title?

Well, it certainly seems like it! Here's a very interesting fact to consider:

 

On two out of those occasions, die Roten have gone on to win the trophy. Coincidentally, their wins happened exactly two decades apart. In the 1975/1976 European Cup (predecessor to the Champions League) quarter final, Bayern Munich cruised to a comfortable 5-1 aggregate win over Benfica. They would later make it a third straight title by beating Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne 1-0 at Glasgow's Hampden Park.

Although they faced Benfica yet again in the 1981/1982 European Cup and defeated them by a comfortable aggregate margin of 4-1, Bayern ultimately had to settle for a runners-up medal. And the winners on on May 26, 1982? None other than Aston Villa. Yes, the same Aston Villa who are now facing relegation at the end of the current Premier League campaign.

The third time Bayern Munich and Benfica clashed was in the third round of the 1995/1996 UEFA Cup (predecessor to the Europa League). And it was die Roten to again beat the Eagles, a resounding 7-2 aggregate victory in the third round en route to winning the two-legged final against Bordeaux (by a total score of 5-1).

3. A formidable record at the Allianz Arena...

Not only have Bayern enjoyed a good head-to-head record against Benfica:

 

but also they have never lost at home against Portuguese opposition. In addition, the Bundesliga titans have won their nine past two-legged ties versus Primeira Liga outfits - not good reading for Benfica indeed.

4. ...but Benfica have not done so poorly themselves on their own home turf

Although Benfica do not have the most encouraging record against German teams - with 15 losses out of their past 40 games - they do, however have a decent track record at home, with five wins in their last seven fixtures at their own stadium against teams playing their domestic football in the Bundesliga.

5. Looking to a rival for inspiration?

Last season, Bayern Munich were paired with Portuguese opposition at this same juncture. However, although Porto were able to pull off a surprise 3-1 win in the first leg, the Dragons soon felt the wrath of die Roten, who crushed them 6-1 in the second leg at the Allianz Arena.

Benfica may want to look to their rivals for inspiration as to how to try to contain their opponents. After all, football is indeed an unpredictable thing - which is a huge part of its appeal -  but for all intents and purposes, Pep Guardiola's side should prove to be too strong and barring a surprise collapse, die Roten will be booking their ticket into the semi-finals - and perhaps beyond.