Real Madrid will cross swords with Bayern Munich in the much-anticipated second leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday evening.
The two European heavyweights played out a 2-2 draw in the first leg at the Allianz Arena last week. Real Madrid weathered an early storm in Germany and took an undeserved lead through Vinicius Jr in the first half, but goals from Leroy Sane and Harry Kane helped Bayern Munich turn the first leg on its head. After Kim Min-jae felled Rodrygo Goes inside the box, Vinicius Jr. scored an ice-cold equalising penalty to set up a mouthwatering semi-final second leg in Madrid.
Four days after their trip to Bayern, Carlo Ancelotti’s men clinched a record-extending 36th La Liga title by beating FC Cadiz 3-0. Having recaptured the league title from arch-rivals Barcelona, Ancelotti and Los Blancos’ sole focus will now be on adding the 15th Champions League crown to their illustrious trophy cabinet.
Real Madrid Team News
The win over Cadiz at the weekend marked the return of Thibaut Courtois from his second knee injury of the season, and the Belgian shot-stopper’s recovery at the business end of the season is a big boost to Real Madrid.
Dani Carvajal is also available after serving a one-game ban, but Eder Militao has ruled himself out of the big game as he is still suffering mentally after almost eight months out due to injury. Meanwhile, David Alaba—ex-Bayern star—is still sidelined.
There will likely be a host of changes in midweek after Ancelotti selected a second-string XI in the 3-0 win over Cadiz.
Predicted Real Madrid lineup vs Bayern Munich (4-3-1-2)
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois finally stepped on the field in a competitive game at the weekend after an injury to his other knee last month delayed his comeback from an ACL rupture in training at the start of the campaign. The Belgian’s availability is a massive boost for Real Madrid, and he should displace Andriy Lunin in goal on Wednesday as well.
Defence
Dani Carvajal’s return from suspension means he walks straight into the starting XI and slots in at right-back, with Ferland Mendy taking the left-back spot. With Eder Militao ruling himself out, Nacho and Antonio Rudiger are certain to reprise their roles in central defence.
The Real Madrid back four must stay switched on from the first whistle to keep the Harry Kane-led Bayern attack at bay.
Midfield
Aurelien Tchouameni will be tasked with anchoring the hosts’ midfield. The Frenchman’s presence in the No.6 role should allow Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde to dictate the tempo of play and create chances in the final third.
Eduardo Camavinga and Luka Modric could come off the bench in the second half to add more solidity in midfield.
Attack
Real’s relentless Englishman has arguably been the standout performer this season. Jude Bellingham should be raring to become the difference-maker against Bayern and guide the hosts to the Champions League final.
With the dynamic youngster’s flair and vision to spot passes in the final third, Brazilian duo Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo Goes would be an all-night threat for the fragile Bayern defence. If Real needs more punch in attack, Ancelotti will turn to Joselu and Brahim Diaz.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.