Bayern Munich v Real Madrid: Champions League match preview
A look ahead to Tuesday's semi-final second leg in Munich
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gareth Bale will return to the starting line-up for Real Madrid's most important game of the season as they seek to reach their first Champions League final in 12 years.
The world's most expensive player missed Saturday's 4-0 victory against Osasuna with flu, but manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed the Welshman is now fully-fit.
Real have won their last four matches, scoring 11 in the process and conceding just once.
FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION WITH OUR LIVE BLOG HERE
In contrast, Bayern are enduring their worst run of form this season, despite thrashing Werder Bremen 5-2 at the weekend.
Pep Guardiola's side have lost three out of their last six games; losing to Real, Borussia Dortmund and FC Augsburg this month.
After being rested at the weekend, their key trio of Philipp Lahm, Toni Kroos and Arjen Robben will inevitably return to the starting line-up as Pep Guardiola aims to win his third Champions League title.
KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 7.45pm
PAST THREE MEETINGS...
Real Madrid 1 (Benzema) Bayern Munich 0, Champions League, semi-finals, April 2014
Real Madrid 2 (Ronaldo 2) Bayern Munich 1 (Robben), Champions League, semi-finals, April 2012 (Bayern win 3-1 on penalties)
Bayern Munich 2 (Ribery, Gomez) Real Madrid 1 (Ozil), Champions League, semi-finals, April 2012
STATS…
Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Sergio Ramos all missed penalties in the shootout defeat to Bayern in 2012.
Madrid could be eliminated by German opposition for the third successive time in the semi-finals.
Ancelotti has never lost when managing against The Bavarians. In seven matches his side have won five and drawn two.
Bayern are aiming to become the first team to successfully defend the Champions League.
AC Milan (1995) and Juventus (1997) were losing finalists the season after winning European club football's biggest prize.
ODDS…
Bayern Munich to win 1.72
Real Madrid to win 4.75
Draw 3.8
CLASSIC MATCH...
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice inside 14 minutes to put Real ahead of Bayern in their semi-final second leg in 2012, but Robben's first-half penalty sent the tie into extra time, with the German giants winning on penalties at the Bernabeu.
Jupp Heynckes' team lost the final to winners Chelsea in Munich, also on spot-kicks.
TV: Live on ITV 1 at 7.45pm, highlights on ITV 1 at 10.35pm.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments