The stakes will be very high when two of Europe’s most coveted clubs Real Madrid and Bayern Munich will entertain each other in an attempt to book a berth in the Champions League last four. The game is poised to be one of the most awaited games of the year and the club who will be able to hold their nerve will come out as the victorious team.
Both the clubs have been in crunch situations like these and know the importance of this match. The Bavarians will try to utilise their home comforts where they recently crushed Borussia Dortmund 4-1 to march ahead towards the Bundesliga title.
Madrid didn’t have the audacity to rest their key players as the battle in the La Liga has been pretty neck to neck this season. Los Blancos are currently leading the table with 72 points and have a three-point gap from Barcelona although Madrid have a one match cushion.
Ancelotti is a master strategist while Zidane loves to play basic football with sheer control. It will be a battle between two of the most prolific coaches in recent years.
Xavi Alonso vs Luka Modric
Modric has been an essential part of Zidane’s strategy. His ability to find the right man with sheer perfection has won him several accolades. The midfield general will again be a crucial figure as Real would like to establish control in midfield. But it won’t be an easy task against a team like Bayern Munich who have Xavi Alonso in their ranks. If Modric has to take control of the midfield he needs to get over of Alonso.
Alonso has already announced that he will be hanging up his boots once the season gets over and would definitely love to make his last season a memorable one. He might have lost his pace but his vision remains the same and his knack of shooting from distance could give Keylor Navas a nightmarish match.
Marcelo vs Arjen Robben
One of the most intriguing battles of this match. Marcelo is one of the most exciting prospects in Los Blancos lineup. He is known for his surging run through the flanks and he loves to cross the ball into the penalty box. But in this match, he needs to work a lot on his defensive attributes as he will be up against Arjen Robben.
If given a chance the Dutch winger can create a havoc amongst the opponent attacking third. Despite being 33, the winger is looking younger day by day and Madrid needs to chalk a plan to stop his creativity down the flanks.
Thiago Alcantara vs Casemiro
It will be a tale of the two midfielders. Casemiro has been pretty outstanding in his role and has acted as a cover in front of the Madrid backline. Madrid’s attack has been very strong throughout the season and the reason behind that is this Brazilian midfielder. Casemiro sits very deep breaking up opponents’ attacks and picking up the passes to launch an attack.
Thiago Alcantara could be the mood spoiler for Madrid as the Spaniard holds the key to this match.
