Champions League holders and favourites, Bayern Munich, are set to face nine time winners, Real Madrid in the Champions League semi final; a game which Paul Breitner as the "European Clasico":

"It's European Clasico. I played for Real Madrid against Bayern in the 1976 semi final and we lost the tie."

"The matches will be very special for the clubs, and in particular, Pep Guardiola. I think he'll be happy to face Real Madrid and he always likes to prove what quality his team's have."

Speaking after the draw, Bayern Munich captain, Philipp Lahm, described the tie as the biggest in European football. Lahm insisted that his team will do their best to reach the final once again this year:

"The top two teams in Europe will play one another. There games are worthy of being the final, as it doesn't get any bigger than Bayern vs. Real at the moment. We only have one goal: to reach the final at all costs."

Hoping to guide Real Madrid to the much coveted "Decima", manager, Carlo Ancelotti, has stated that it is not an easy draw for the capital club, citing Pep Guardiola as one of the best in the world:

"The semi final against Bayern Munich will be very difficult for us, but it is not easy to play Real Madrid for them either."

"Pep Guardiola is one of the best coaches in the world, and they have a great group of players."

Bayern Munich manager, Pep Guardiola, was also full of praise for his side's Champions League adversaries, stating that they are "great team":

"The draw is what it is. Real Madrid is a tough adversary but we're looking forward to the games."

"Real Madrid have a great team with a great coach guiding them. It will be a huge challenge for us. I think Ronaldo will play  aginast us, and we will prepare accordingly for that."

"We looked their last game against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night and we'll look the cup final next Wednesday when they face Barcelona. We will analyse everything then." 

VAVEL Logo
About the author
Jack  Gallagher
Member of the VAVEL writing team since June 2012, and became editor-in-chief of the UK edition in June 2013. English and History at QUB.