Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid

Allianz Arena is the venue as Bayern Munich and Real Madrid go head-to-head in the first leg of their blockbuster Champions League semi-final tie. 

Bayern Munich’s hopes of avoiding a first trophyless season in over a decade rest upon wrapping up their seventh Champions League title, but the task is mammoth. The Bavarians go up against familiar foes they’ve faced 26 times in Europe’s elite competition (W11, D3, L12) and failed to overcome in all three knockout ties since 2014. That run includes three consecutive home defeats, all of which saw the record-time Bundesliga champions concede at least twice. However, Thomas Tuchel’s men have gone from strength to strength at the Allianz Arena, racking up a 15-match unbeaten home run in European action (W12, D3) since losing to PSG in April 2021. Their last three Champions League home outings have yielded clean sheets, including a pivotal 1-0 victory against Arsenal in the second leg of their quarter-final tie. 

On the other hand, Real Madrid’s pursuit of a record-extending 15th Champions League title overcame a significant roadblock in the quarter-finals as they crashed reigning holders Manchester City out on penalties to set up their fourth consecutive semi-final tie. Carlo Ancelotti’s men will take the field in high spirits after following a 3-2 El Clasico win against Barcelona with a 1-0 triumph at Real Sociedad to come within striking distance of another La Liga title. Buoyed by a ten-game unbeaten Champions League run (W8, D2), Los Merengues head to Germany in search of a sixth successive European away win. They’ve fared well in this country this season, beating Union Berlin and RB Leipzig 3-2 and 1-0, respectively, en route to the semi-finals.