Belarus champions BATE Borisov are aiming to topple Bayern Munich when they host the German giants on Tuesday in the Champions League with both sides battling for top spot in Group F.
Borisov and Bayern meet for the first time in a competitive fixture with each side having started out in Europe in a positive fashion.
Last season's beaten finalists Bayern got their European campaign off to a flying start with a 2-1 win over Valencia a fortnight ago at Munich's Allianz Arena, while Minsk-based Borisov enjoyed a 3-1 win in France at Lille.
This is the first time the German giants have faced opponents from Belarus in Europe as their hosts warmed up for Tuesday's win with a 5-1 domestic home victory over league side Njoman Hrodna on Friday.
"We're in good form, and the win is a confidence booster for the Bayern match," said midfielder Renan Bressan, who opened the scoring with a penalty as his club earned their 16th straight win.
Coach Viktor Goncharenko fielded a full strength side with one eye on the Bayern clash in Minsk, where Borisov play their European games.
The only man missing from the first-choice line-up was Aliaksandr Hleb, but the ex-Barcelona and Arsenal star is expected to return.
Both teams top their respective leagues and Munich earned their sixth straight Bundesliga win on Saturday at Werder Bremen to leave them two points clear at the top.
Bayern left it late as midfielder Luiz Gustavo got their first goal in the 81st minute, before Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic netted the second just two minutes later.
With Germany striker Mario Gomez recovering from an ankle injury, new signing Mandzukic has seized his chance to impress since joining from Wolfsburg with six goals in six league games.
Bayern's defence has made a solid start to the season with just two goals conceded in the league so far this term, picking up nine victories in all competitions.
After their close win in Bremen, Bayern's Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger says the Germans expect another tight tussle in Belarus.
"Especially in tight matches like that, you mustn't become impatient, overdo the attacking and get caught on the break," said Schweinsteiger.
"Winning in the last 10 or 15 minutes is all part of the game."
Source: AFP
