The football world is waiting for the Real-Bayern clash at the Bernabeu
'Ninety minutes is a long time at the Santiago Bernabeu' - this is what Real Madrid forward Juanito Gómez González said after losing to Inter Milan in the first leg of the 1984-85 UEFA Cup semi-final. His statement was not false. In the next leg, Real Madrid lost 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
In the second leg of the semi-finals of the Champions League with Bayern Munich, Real Madrid is entering the field again today at the Bernabeu. The Bernabeu stadium is still the X-factor in the fight to reach the final. The big question is whether Bayern can hold their own in the white sea of Real.
The German club Borussia Dortmund has confirmed the place as the first team in the final of Wembley. Now wait for the second team. Will Bayern Munich bring back the memory of the 2013 All-German final or will Real Madrid go for their 15th title?
Bayern Munich drew 2-2 against Real despite giving great football in the first leg at home. The victory could have been secured by the Bavarians if Vinicius Jr. and Toni Kroos had not produced outstanding football. It was the duo of these two that stopped Bayern that day. Real fans will have more expectations from Vinicius as well as Rodrigo and Jude Bellingham at home today.
Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have given many iconic matches throughout the ages. Whenever these two teams have met, none of the matches has been a goalless draw. They met in the semi-finals for the first time in the 1975-76 season. Bayern won the game 3-1 on aggregate. The last match ended in a 2-2 draw. It is to be expected that the goal difference will be seen in today's match as well.
Since then the two teams have played against each other many times. But overall Bayern's disappointment is a little high. Real has had the last laugh in the last three matches between the two teams. In the 2013-14 and 2017-18 seasons, Bayern had to leave the semi-finals of the Champions League after losing to this Real. Today's fight for Bayern is therefore very much about revenge.
Real Madrid lost to Bayern in the semis in 2012. After that, they showed the greatest dominance in the tournament in recent times. Won the tenth Champions League title in 2014. Zinedine Zidane won three consecutive titles from 2016 to 2018. Many believe that the 2012 defeat against Bayern acted as a catalyst behind Real's unstoppable journey.
Real Madrid has won 12 times in the match between the two teams. Bayern won 11 times. The remaining four matches have been drawn. So far, the two teams have met in the semi-finals 7 times. However, Bayern's margin of victory is heavy. They beat Real four times in the final. Real went to the final three times. Real had the last laugh the last two times though.
Players to watch
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich will rely especially on Harry Kane and Leroy Sane today. Not only because of the scorer of the last match. They are the hope of Tomas Tukhel to break Real's defense and bring goals. Kane is the top goalscorer in the Champions League so far. So naturally there will be special plans around him. Midfielder Jamal Musiala showed great skill in the last match and the spotlight will be on him today.
However, Eric Dyer and Matthias de Leete will have to do the main work. De Leete has been dependable all season. He missed the first leg. His replacement, Kim Min Jae, made two mistakes to bring Real back into the match. Today, therefore, in defense, Dier-de Liet duo will have to take the big responsibility.
Vinicius Jr. is one of the greatest stars of all time. He scored two goals in the last match. UCL has 5 goals and 4 assists this season. But in addition to this, Jude Bellingham also has to take responsibility. He has been the savior of Real many times this season. Now Los Blancos will want to rely on him in another round. Rodrigo is with them. Compared to home ground.
In the midfield, Toni Kroos made the difference in the last match. Call him Professor or Sniper, Kroos is the backbone of Madrid's midfield even at this age. Real coach Carlo Ancelotti will want to trust such a person once again.
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