Champions League Semi Final: Bayern – Real Madrid

The most played match in Champions League history features yet again this season in the semi finals. Two giants of European Football in Bayern and Real Madrid face off tonight in their first of 2 clashes to decide who will enter the final of the Champions League. Real Madrid will be travelling to Munich with confidence, having won their last 3 matches in the stadium. 

Bayern Team News

Bayern have quite some injury issues ahead of Tuesday night’s clash with their Spanish rivals. Kingsley Coman looks unable to play while Serge Gnabry had to be rested over the weekend to be able to feature tonight. Sacha Boey and Sarr are also set to miss the game whereas Matthijs de Ligt is a huge doubt after suffering a knee injury in last Saturday’s game. The Dutch defender has featured in almost every game since the winter break and would have been the starter centre back likely if completely fit.  

Real Madrid Team News

Ancelloti was able to rest some of the key players in last Friday’s away game against Sociedad. Real Madrid have the luxury of a comfortable margin at the top of La Liga after beating arch rivals Barcelona the week before and therefore the likes of VInicius, Kroos and Bellingham were all rested last Friday. Only worry at the back is Ferland Mendy ́s fitness as the Frenchman is doubtful to be fit enough to feature in the clash with Bayern but besides him, most players look available.

Bayern Form

After back to back losses against Dortmund and Heidenheim that effectively ended Bayern´s hope of title prolongation, Tuchel´s side has remarkably picked up their form. The impressive draw away against Arsenal in the Emirates stadium has started a 4 game win streak including the return game at the Allianz against the Londoners. In the Bundesliga, Frankfurt, Union and Koln were all defeated, solidifying Bayern´s 2nd position behind champions Leverkusen to secure a CL spot for next season. 

Real Madrid Form

Real Madrid are virtually unbeatable this season, with their only 2 defeats coming at the hand of city rivals Atletico. 1 in the cup after extra time and 1in the league, both at Atletico in the Wanda Metrapolitano stadium. In La Liga Ancelloti´s men have won 5 games in a row but in the Champions League they have not won any of their last 3 games. After a 0-1 away win in Leipzig in the first last of 16 match, 3 draws followed, at home against Leipzig and City and away from home against City. 

What do the stats say?

• Real Madrid have won 6 and drawn 1 in the last 7 h2h matches
• Bayern undefeated at home in the Champions League since 2021(15 games)
• Bayern have scored the most goals across all Europe’s top leagues

Our verdict

We think this will be a very tight game. Despite the recent history favouring Real Madrid as they seem to love playing Bayern, we still think it will definitely not be an easy win for the Spanish side. Bayern are very strong in European home games over the last few years and with Harry Kane up front scoring goals for fun this could very well continue tonight as well.