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MOTD Preview: Real Madrid v Bayern Munich

By on April 21, 2014

In the case of this year’s Champions League, the best isn’t always saved until last…

This is arguably the biggest game of the Champions League so far. These two sides might have been pre-tournament final favourites, but instead they have been drawn to do battle in a spectacular semi-final showdown.

Right now these two sides are probably the best in Europe and are therefore both craving to win the competition. Real Madrid are looking to win their 10th European title after a tedious 12 year wait since their last Champions League win after beating Bayer Leverkusen in 2002, while Bayern Munich also have the chance to make some history of their own by becoming the first team to defend the trophy since the Champions Leagues inception in the 1992/93 season.

These two sides did in fact meet at the same stage two years ago. Both sides secured 2-1 home victories before Bayern went through on penalties, only to fall in the final at the hands of Chelsea. Yet recent form would suggest that Real Madrid go into this match with an advantage, although in games like this form is often nothing to go by. Los Blancos have notched up an impressive three straight league wins as well as a Gareth Bale-inspired Copa del Rey final win over Barcelona. They’ve also been given the weekend off by the LFP, much to the disappointment of their opposition Real Valladolid who have had their match postponed. Madrid are also likely to receive another boost as Cristiano Ronaldo returns from injury after missing the last 3 games.

Things aren’t looking so bright over in Munich. Since being crowned Bundesliga champions Guardiola’s men haven’t won in any of their last 3 games. After a 53 game unbeaten streak, Bayern have lost their last two league games – including a 3-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund. They do however have the chance to add the DFB Pokal to their trophy cabinet after thrashing Kaiserslautern 5-1 in the semi-final to set up a mouth-watering final with Dortmund.

For me the key battle on the pitch could be down Bayern Munich’s left wing as Frank Ribery comes up against Madrid’s Daniel Carvajal. The 22 year-old Spaniard has come a long way this season after Real Madrid activated a buyback clause in Carvajal’s Bayer Leverkusen contract. Since then he’s come on leaps and bounds; in Europe he’s averaged more than 3 tackles a game. Meanwhile, his opponent, Frank Ribery, may not be in the scintillating form of last season but he still poses a huge threat to the Real Madrid defence. He has the most assists in the Bundesliga this season (10), whilst creating nearly 4 chances per game in the Champions League. It seems as though Carvajal will have his work cut out to stop the Frenchman on Wednesday night.

Real Madrid v Bayern Munich

Wednesday 23rd April, 7:45pm Kick Off (Sky Sports 1)

Venue: Santiago Bernabeu

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