The only way for Bayern Munich to dodge their first trophyless season since 2011/12 is by clinching the Champions League (CL) title. To achieve this feat, they must outplay historic rivals Real Madrid in an explosive semi-final. No fixture has been more frequent in the CL/European Cup than this, with 24 out of 26 clashes occurring in the knockout stages!
Despite Bayern’s dominance domestically in recent years, they’ve always struggled against Madrid. They haven’t won any of the last seven encounters (1 draw, 6 defeats), including three consecutive losses at home, conceding at least two goals each time. Instead, the team could draw inspiration from their home record in Europe since the defeat to PSG in April 2021 (12 wins, 3 draws), notably keeping three clean sheets in a row recently.
Real Madrid managed to rest some stars during their 1-0 victory against Real Sociedad on Friday night. Coach Carlo Ancelotti faces his former club with fewer worries and injuries than Thomas Tuchel’s side. Currently on a 10-match unbeaten streak in the CL (8 wins, 2 draws) after the remarkable penalty shootout win against Manchester City in the quarters, Real is now the frontrunner for the CL title.
It’s hardly surprising, considering the Liga leaders have won five consecutive away matches in the CL. However, it’s worth noting that apart from Man City, the only other team to defeat them away in Europe since February 2022 is a German club: RB Leipzig. Nevertheless, the team will be confident, especially with their three recent victories in Munich and two wins in Germany this season against Union Berlin (3-2) and Leipzig (1-0).
Players to Watch: Harry Kane has scored three goals in Bayern’s last three CL matches, all between the 30th and 40th minute. Vinícius Júnior could pose an even earlier threat, as three of his last four goals have come before the 25th minute.
Hot Stat: Ancelotti has never lost to Bayern while in charge of AC Milan and Real (6 wins, 2 draws). He has won the last three matches on this list without conceding a goal.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 1-2 Real Madrid
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