Verdict: Bayern Munich win
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Sat in the driving seat to punch their Champions League semi-final spot on Wednesday night, Bayern Munich will welcome Real Madrid to the Allianz for their second-leg showdown.
Bayern Munich
Starting with the hosts, putting in a largely dominant performance over in the Spanish capital last week, Bayern Munich were more than deserving of their first-leg advantage. Eventually leaving Madrid with a 2-1 victory, Vincent Kompany’s men are now rightfully regarded as a standout European contender over the coming weeks. Set to retain their Bundesliga crown at a canter this season, the former Burnley boss certainly finds the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Keeping up their sensational purple patch over the weekend as they cruised their way to a 5-0 romp against St. Pauli, Bayern have also gained a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third. Dispatching of Italian outfit Atalanta last month following a remarkable 10-2 aggregate win, Kompany’s superstar squad will be looking to make another public statement on Wednesday night.
Bayern Munich Team News
Handed a full rest against St. Pauli on Saturday evening after finding the net in Madrid last week, the record-breaking Harry Kane will return to spearhead Bayern’s attack here. Likewise, also settling for respective spots on the bench over the weekend, both Luis Diaz and Jonathan Tah should be handed full recalls.
Embarking on what has been a real rise to superstardom and registering 10 direct goal contributions in as many Champions League appearances this season (three goals, seven assists), former Crystal Palace star Michael Olise will partner Kane in the final third.
Real Madrid
As for the visitors, watching their La Liga title dreams take what could prove to be a critical blow over the weekend, Real Madrid have faced a public backlash since returning from March’s international break. Eventually forced to settle for a disappointing 1-1 stalemate at home against Girona, the pressure is now firmly mounting on Alvaro Arbeloa’s shoulders in the Spanish capital. Now sat nine points adrift of arch-rivals Barcelona, Los Blancos have failed to win any of their previous three consecutive appearances across all competitions. Hit with that 2-1 first-leg defeat at the Bernabeu last week, Madrid have also shown some extended defensive issues. Marking their return from March’s fortnight interval with a 2-1 defeat away at Mallorca, Arbeloa’s downbeat squad should be bracing themselves for a stern examination when they travel over to Germany on Wednesday night.
Real Madrid Team News
Shown what was a costly first-half booking at the Bernabeu last week, French international Aurelien Tchouameni will serve a one-match suspension here. In what looks set to be a real blow for Los Blancos, Madrid are once again expected to be without number one goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Bagging what proved to be a consolation first-leg strike last week, attacking talisman Kylian Mbappe will certainly play a leading role in the final third. Despite struggling to find his feet since returning from a hamstring last month, England international Jude Bellingham could be handed a full European recall.
Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid Key Factors to Consider
- When Bayern Munich and Real Madrid met for their first-leg showdown at the Bernabeu last week, Kompany’s high-flying squad secured a 2-1 victory on foreign soil.
- Continuing on from their group stage adventure, Munich have won 10 of their 11 Champions League appearances this season.
- Real Madrid have failed to win three consecutive appearances across all competitions for the first time this calendar year.
- England skipper Harry Kane has notched 11 goals in his 10 Champions League appearances this season.
- Los Blancos have registered just a single clean sheet from any of their previous 11 matchups across all competitions.
Conclusion
Returning to the Allianz on Wednesday night holding a first-leg advantage thanks to their heroics over in Madrid last week, Bayern Munich will be confident of making another blockbuster European statement here. Firing on all cylinders and winning 10 of their 11 Champions League appearances during this season’s tournament, the German giants will certainly be smelling a golden opportunity. Watching Madrid’s La Liga title dreams take what could prove to be a critical blow over the weekend, Los Blancos have endured a real rut since returning from March’s international break.
Verdict: Bayern Munich win
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet