The Champions League has reached the semi-final stage as two European giants face off in Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Date: 30/04/24
Kick-off time: 20:00
Venue: Allianz Arena
Both sides fought off English opposition in the previous round, as Bayern Munich prevailed 3-2 on aggregate against Arsenal, whilst Real Madrid beat favourites Man City on penalties following two draws. The Premier League teams were favoured to advance, but Bayern and Real proved that experience is crucial, as they fight to make it to yet another European final.
Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern team have had a disappointing league campaign, but they put that aside in a bid to win their seventh Champions League title, and first since 2020. They got to this stage by topping their group, and then progressing through Lazio and Arsenal. The Germans have suffered just one loss in the campaign so far, that coming against Lazio in the Round of 16 first leg. Los Blancos, in contrast, have yet to lose, but have drawn their last three games in the competition. They finished first in their group, winning all six games, before beating RB Leipzig and Man City in the knockout stages.
Goals could be a feature in this one, with both enjoying plenty of success up front throughout the season. Six of Madrid’s 10 games so far have seen over 2.5 goals, whilst the same can be said for Bayern. Overall, they have scored 40 combined, and this tally is likely to be added to with lots of attacking talent on display. Harry Kane is the main threat for the hosts, with seven goals in the competition, and Rodrygo is Real’s leading scorer with five.
This will be the first meeting between the two teams since 2018, when they also met at this stage of the tournament. Real Madrid won the tie 4-3 on aggregate, which included a 2-1 victory away from home. Bayern have won just once in the last eight fixtures.