Real Madrid hosts Bayern Munich for a classic European encounter with the aim of taking the lead in the European Cup semifinal clash.
Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich, a classic European matchup between two excellent clubs, at a crucial moment in the season and on the biggest stage. Get ready to enjoy one of the greatest footballing spectacles imaginable. Tonight the Santiago Bernabéu will be the epicentre of world football as the most lauded club on the European stage takes on the defending champions. The Whites will be looking to take the first of the two steps needed to reach the final in Lisbon. But the players won't be alone. They'll have the support of the fans who will make sure the atmosphere inside the stadium is worthy of this massive occasion.
As well as the momentum that will be generated by the noise in the stands, there is also another factor that could prove decisive: Cristiano Ronaldo's return to the squad. The Portuguese forward is part of the 20-man squad and will undergo a fitness test today to see if he can take part in tonight's match. Also coming back into the team is Marcelo, although it will be Coentrão who starts at left back. The only players missing from the squad are Khedira, Jesé and Arbeloa.
As well as the momentum that will be generated by the noise in the stands, there is also another factor that could prove decisive: Cristiano Ronaldo's return to the squad. The Portuguese forward is part of the 20-man squad and will undergo a fitness test today to see if he can take part in tonight's match. Also coming back into the team is Marcelo, although it will be Coentrão who starts at left back. The only players missing from the squad are Khedira, Jesé and Arbeloa.
MADRID IS THE MOST PROLIFIC SIDE IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AND HAS SCORED AT HOME IN ITS LAST 17 EUROPEAN GAMES.
There are a few reasons for Real Madrid fans to be optimistic ahead of this game. Firstly, the team's confidence is still sky high after winning the Copa del Rey last week. As well as that, the road to the Champions League semifinals has been spectacular, with special mention going to the team's ability to find the back of the net: 32 goals in 10 matches, the best scoring average in the history of the Champions League.
The teams' head-to-head record in the Santiago Bernabéu also favours the Whites. Despite all that is being said in the run up to this game, Bayern have visited Real Madrid's stadium on 10 occasions, during which time the home side has won seven times, drawn once and lost twice to the Germans. It is also worth bearing in mind that Ancelotti has never lost against Bayern Munich (four wins and two draws).
Madrid and Bayern are both fighting for the treble
Bayern travelled to Madrid with 19 players, although Van Buyten has returned to Munich for the birth of his child. Also missing for the Bavarians are Thiago, Shaqiri, Contento, Strong and Badstuber. On the other hand, Neuer, the first choice goalkeeper, returns to the starting line up after missing the last few games. Bayern can also count on Mandzukic, their top goal scorer (26), for tonight's encounter.
Having already been crowned Bundesliga and German Cup champions, Bayern Munich is the only side - along with Real Madrid - left in the Champions League still in contention for the treble. They'll be looking to frustrate Ancelotti's team, which will be looking to take the next step, having reached four semifinals in a row, and book their place to the final on the 24th of May to fight it out for a Tenth European Cup title.
The teams' head-to-head record in the Santiago Bernabéu also favours the Whites. Despite all that is being said in the run up to this game, Bayern have visited Real Madrid's stadium on 10 occasions, during which time the home side has won seven times, drawn once and lost twice to the Germans. It is also worth bearing in mind that Ancelotti has never lost against Bayern Munich (four wins and two draws).
Madrid and Bayern are both fighting for the treble
Bayern travelled to Madrid with 19 players, although Van Buyten has returned to Munich for the birth of his child. Also missing for the Bavarians are Thiago, Shaqiri, Contento, Strong and Badstuber. On the other hand, Neuer, the first choice goalkeeper, returns to the starting line up after missing the last few games. Bayern can also count on Mandzukic, their top goal scorer (26), for tonight's encounter.
Having already been crowned Bundesliga and German Cup champions, Bayern Munich is the only side - along with Real Madrid - left in the Champions League still in contention for the treble. They'll be looking to frustrate Ancelotti's team, which will be looking to take the next step, having reached four semifinals in a row, and book their place to the final on the 24th of May to fight it out for a Tenth European Cup title.
