Bayern Munich's Philipp Lahm: We are close to Barcelona's level

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Bayern Munich's Philipp Lahm: We are close to Barcelona's level

The Germany defender says the Bavarians no longer fear the Catalan club and believes his side are now closer to the level of the European champions than in the last few years

Bayern Munich defender Philipp Lahm says the Bavarian club are close to matching the level of European champions Barcelona as they continue to improve under coach Jupp Heynckes.

Bayern dropped to third in the Bundesliga on Sunday following a surprise 3-2 defeat at Mainz, but have been in excellent form both domestically and continentally so far this term.

Indeed, many observers have tipped the Bavarians to challenge the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona for this season's Champions League crown - and Lahm believes anything is possible.

"A few years ago, we would have said that out of 10 games against Barcelona, we would lose nine. But now the situation is a little different," he said in quotes published by Bild.

"We are close to it now. And it's exactly the same with Germany and Spain. I have the same feeling I do in Bavaria as I do with Germany: we can strike down these big teams."

Bayern lost the Bundesliga leadership by losing to Thomas Tuchel's struggling side despite two goals from defender Daniel van Buyten.

Some people should learn when to talk.