A mouth-watering spectacle at the Allianz this Tuesday night when Pep Guardiola’s men take on Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid side; this tie is the highlight of the semi-finals that stands perfectly poised after Madrid’s one nil win at the Bernabeu last Wednesday. Despite the one goal advantage and managing to keep the Germans out, the Spanish side are far from favourites with many backing Bayern to turn on the style at home something Ancelotti and his men will be well aware.
Ancelotti seemingly adopted a similar system to David Moyes last week, defending in numbers Madrid put in a superb defensive display and hit the Bavarian side on the break. A similar performance should be expected with Madrid likely to try and once again stifle Guardiola’s side. Madrid will have Ronaldo and Bale both available both fully fit, both of which promise to threaten the German side on the counter; Ronaldo was on fine form scoring two over Osasuna in a four-nil home victory. A win for Ancelotti is a must with Madrid rivals Atheltico looking a sure bet for the La Liga title, increasingly it looks like all the eggs are in one basket for the Italian coach. The Champions League is the trophy they want.
Pep Guardiola’s side last week for all their possession lacked the killer pass needed and created very few chances. Although totally dominant it was the Madrid side that came away better off, Bayern unable to cope with them on the counter attack throughout the game. Thomas Muller started on the bench, but once on the pitch proved to be the key instigator for Bayern; the German could hold the key to Guardiola’s success. At home Bayern usually show how good they can be, that showed against Manchester United in the last round blowing them away in twenty minutes. It will be a long night for Madrid with Bayern unlikely to give up the ball as easily as they did last week. Bayern were 5-2 winners at the weekend against SV Werder Bremen, Robben and Ribery were both on the score sheet and a big performance from either of the two stars could take the Bavarian outfit to Portugal.
The game is a must win for both sides.
Team News – FC Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich were ineffective last week, Mario Gotze or Thomas Muller could be brought into the fold to pose a more attacking threat. Robben and Ribery will be looking to impose themselves further on the game and have more of an impact.
Bayern have no major players missing which will be a boost for the Bavarian side.
Three players they will be without are Shaqiri (Hamstring) and Thiago Alacantara (Knee).
Team News – Real Madrid CF
Cristiano Ronaldo managed 62 minutes at the weekend, as well as the 73 last week. After notching two goals it seems like the 2008 Champions League winner is back to his best, although a golden opportunity was missed to go two ahead was missed.#
Gareth Bale also returned from an illness coming on for Cristiano Ronaldo last week, the Welshman had little effect on the game but will be hoping to start the match. Madrid will continue to be without Arbeloa (Knee), Jese (Knee) and Khedira (Knee).
Predicted XI: Iker Casillas, Daniel Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Fabio Coentrao, Luka Modric, Xabi Alonso, Isco, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo
Manager Quotes – Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola: "Franck [Ribery] played like he was possessed at the weekend. He fights and fights and for this reason the people love him here at the Allianz Arena. He is one of the best players in the history of Bayern Munich and we need his help. I really can't imagine them playing for that result [a draw] for the full 90 minutes. They don't have the mentality just to stick men behind the ball and defend. They have the quality to change their system and it's better if we keep them at a safe distance from our goal. They are a top team."
Manager Quotes – Carlo Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti: "For this club this is a very important competition, especially because if we win this season the club will have 10 European Cups. It would be something special for everyone. And the sooner it is achieved the better. If we could get it in my first year here it would be amazing. We have to try to win another trophy, either the League or the Champions League. After three semi-finals I think Real Madrid deserves to play a final but that is something that depends on us and everyone else. It’s the most important competition in the world and I’ve been lucky enough to win it as a player and a Coach,” Ancelotti continued. It’s a great satisfaction and joy and it’s worth working to try to do it again. This competition is increasingly important."
Match Facts
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have won 14 European Cup/Champions League titles between the two of them (9 and 5 respectively).
This will be the 16th Champions League meeting between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, overtaking Barcelona v AC Milan (15 games) as the most frequently played CL fixture.
Bayern Munich have beaten Real Madrid eight times (out of 15 games), more than any other side in the Champions League.
Real Madrid have reached the semi-finals of the Champions League for the fourth consecutive season. However, they haven’t reached the final since 2002.
Real Madrid have won 10 of their last 12 Champions League games (D1 L1). Their only defeat this season came in their last away game at Dortmund (0-2).
Bayern Munich have reached the semi-finals of the Champions League for the fourth time in the last five seasons. They are the defending champions after last season’s win against Borussia Dortmund.
(Source: Eurosport)
Prediction: 2-1 Bayern (Madrid through on away goals)
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