Real Madrid will visit the Allianz Arena to face Bayern Munich for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Semi-Final. The fourteen-time champions were able to secure a 1-0 win in their La Liga game against Real Sociedad prior to this encounter. They will be looking to carry the momentum from their win there, into this European fixture
Meanwhile, their opponents, Bayern Munich were able to grab a 2-1 win against Eintracht Frankfurt in their league game leading up to the UCL fixture. Harry Kane scored his 42nd goal of the season to help the Bavarians to a win. He is the highest goal-scorer in Europe, but despite his heroics, Bayern have not had a season to remember.
The German side head into the game against Real Madrid with a lot of injury problems. The likes of Leroy Sane and Jamal Musiala are doubtful for the game. Bayern Munich are under a lot of pressure as an exit from UCL will mean that the club will go without a trophy this season for the first time in twelve years.
However, they are up against a Real Madrid team, who have looked incredibly brilliant all season. Despite injuries to their key players like Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao and David Alaba, Real had managed to stay competitive. They will be looking to take advantage of Bayern’s shortcomings and carry a significant advantage into the second leg.
Can Bayern Munich upset Real Madrid?
Bayern Munich have been a shadow of their former selves this season. Harry Kane’s addition was expected to elevate them to a different level, but that has not happened. Kane has scored 7 Champions League goals, which leaves him second behind Kylian Mbappe in the top-scorer race. He will be hoping to get on the score sheet as the team might be without a few of their other attacking options.
Real Madrid have not lost a game of football since January. They have been in stellar form and will be the favourites to win the first leg. However, Carlo Ancelotti more than anyone knows how dangerous the Bavarians are in a European knockout stage. The Italian was a coach at Bayern for over a season. His inability to lead them to a deep run in the tournament was one of the primary reasons that he was sacked.
Real will be high on confidence as they have not lost at the Allianz Arena in their last three trips to the stadium. They are unbeaten in the tournament and will be looking to continue that as it would put another ring to their already successful campaign.
