Real favorites but Bayern a big threat in UCL return leg
Real Madrid entertain Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League semifinal on Wednesday night with the tie finely balanced.
Players of Bayern Munich attend a training session in Munich, Germany, May 7, 2024. Bayern Munich of Germany will play against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg match in Madrid, Spain, on May 8, 2024. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
Two goals from Vinicius Jr helped Madrid take a 2-2 draw in Germany a week ago, while Leroy Sane and Harry Kane scored for the Germans, who controlled much of the game but were undone by Real Madrid's pace in the counter-attack.
Former Bayern midfielder Toni Kroos was vital last week in the Allianz Arena and his vision and control in midfield were key factors in Madrid holding on under pressure and then finding the space for launch their breaks.
Jude Bellingham disappointed, however, with Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti explaining the England international had been suffering with a stomach problem.
Bellingham scored against Cadiz at the weekend as Real Madrid assured the 36th La Liga title of their history and they are now aiming to lift the Champions League for the 15th time.
Ancelotti has only one issue to solve in his starting 11: whether Aurelian Tchouameni plays in central midfield or alongside Anthony Rudiger in the heart of the Real Madrid defense. If the coach opts to play Tchouameni in midfield, he will partner Kroos and Fede Valverde, with Eduardo Camavinga dropping to the bench, while Camavinga will start if he plays in defense.
Bayern showed last week they can hurt Real Madrid with their aggression and energy, and they now have Serge Gnabry fully fit after he was substituted last week.
Kane is a guarantee of goals, while Thomas Muller has a wealth of experience and Sane will inject pace in attack.
Real Madrid are favorites, but Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel knows how to beat them in a Champions League semifinal after his success with Chelsea in 2021.