Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid Preview, UEFA Champions League Match Preview
FC Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid, Allianz Arena, UCL Semi Final Leg 1 (17 April 2012)
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| UEFA Champions League Semi Final 1 : FC Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid LIVE STREAM |
There is arguably no stage bigger than this and few clashes are more mouthwatering: Bayern Munich versus Real Madrid is a match worthy of being the Champions League final itself, but at the end of 180 minutes – possibly even more – only one of these two sides will contest the showpiece at the Allianz Arena against either Chelsea or Barcelona. And for die Roten, who call this ground home, it provides ample an extra incentive as they prepare to face the Real Madrid juggernaut.
Knowing full well the difficulty of this upcoming Champions League tie, Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes opted to rest several of his usual first teamers against Mainz at the weekend. The fielded side could not live up to the goalscoring heroics of a full strength outfit, registering a goalless draw, while Borussia Dortmund’s win over Schalke means that the Bundesliga is almost certainly staying with Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Realising that the meeting with Los Galacticos is a chance for redemption midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger was quick to declare that everything will be thrown into this match.
“It’s all or nothing on Tuesday”, said the Germany midfielder. “We have to go to the limits and beyond, but we can do it with our fans behind us. It won’t be easy, and it comes down to mental strength. I hope we show the mentality which marks Bayern out.”
Decisive Week
Real Madrid’s season comes down to a key week of football with a double-header against Bayern Munich in the Champions League sandwiching the second league Clasico against Barcelona on Saturday evening. Needless to say, Los Blancos will have to rise to the occasion to avoid seeing their campaign vanish into thin air. And this game will certainly provide a test given that the Spanish giants have yet to win a game away to Bayern Munich.
After falling behind to an early penalty at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid eventually overcame Sporting Gijon 3-1 at the weekend, staying four points ahead of Barcelona in the process, as the latter triumphed over Levante. In doing so, Los Blancos reached 107 league goals, equalling the number set by the Quinta del Buitre in the 1989/90 season.
Emilio Butragueno, the leader of the aforementioned group, has praised Real Madrid’s European opponents, while highlighting his team’s ability to overcome the Bavarians.
“Firstly there is history. Bayern are a team with great pride, who have top quality players such as [Arjen] Robben, [Franck] Ribery, [Thomas] Muller. Secondly, we have to play our best game and not make a mistake. Hopefully it will inspire us to the final."
Coming back from Germany with away goals could well be important should Real Madrid want to overcome Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu a week later.
Recent form
Bayern Munich:
Bayern Munich 2-1 Augsburg (07/04; Bundesliga)
Borussia Dortmund 1-0 Bayern Munich (11/04; Bundesliga)
Bayern Munich 0-0 Mainz (14/04; Bundesliga)
Real Madrid:
Real Madrid 0-0 Valencia (08/04; La Liga)
Atletico Madrid 1-4 Real Madrid (11/04; La Liga)
Real Madrid 3-1 Sporting Gijon (14/04; La Liga)
Key absences
Bayern Munich: Breno; Daniel van Buyten; Rouven Sattelmaier
Real Madrid: None
Players to watch
Bayern Munich – Manuel Neuer: The excellent shot-stopper is instrumental to his side’s chances of going all the way to the final. Arguably having surpassed Real Madrid star Iker Casillas as the world’s best goalkeeper recently, Neuer will have to make sure the visitors go home empty handed.
Real Madrid – Xabi Alonso: Whenever the midfield kingpin has missed a game, his side have stuttered, and it was no different against Sporting Gijon at the weekend. Alonso adds calmness and composure to his side, and his presence will help Real Madrid to control the tempo and keep the ball from their opponents.
Match Prediction
A tenth Champions League accolade remains every Madridista’s dream, and beating Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena would move the side closer to their goal. However, as noted, Los Blancos have never won away against the Germans. And with the Bavarians having little chance of winning the Bundesliga, all their concentration and focus is on this one. Bayern Munich 2-1 Real Madrid.
Source: insidefutbol.com
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