Bayern Munich will be looking to take things under control when they visit the Santiago Bernabeu to challenge Real Madrid for a berth in the Champions League semifinal. Los Blancos won the first leg and have an added advantage of two crucial away goals but for a team like Bayern, it is hardly a matter of minutes to overturn a two-goal deficit.
Also, the return of Robert Lewandowski could turn the match in the Bavarians’ favour. Virtually no team in this season has been able to stop the free flowing scoring of Madrid and Bayern have a huge task on their hands. But Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng are expected to return and should it happen, they will have a huge role to play.
Real Madrid will be coming to the game with a hard fought win over Sporting Gijon. Isco came to the rescue for the Spanish giants as they came from behind to register a 3-2 win while Munich were held to a goalless draw with Bayer Leverkusen.
Team News And Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid
Zidane had to withdraw Gareth Bale in the first leg as the Welsh wizard got a calf injury in the 2-1 win over Bayern Munich. Zidane didn’t risk him in the last match and therefore Bale is very unlikely to feature. If Bale doesn’t play, Isco is favourites to replace him in the starting lineup. The midfielder was absolutely in blazing form in the last match and Zidane cannot ignore this.
Pepe continues to recover from his broken rib and will miss the match.
Navas; Carvajal, Nacho, Ramos, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Isco, Benzema, Ronaldo
Bayern Munich
Munich will be boosted by the return of their lanky striker Robert Lewandowski. The presence of the towering striker in the opponent box will give them an edge.
Neuer; Lahm Boateng, Hummels, Alaba; Xabi Alonso, Vidal, Thiago; Robben, Lewandowski, Ribery.
Key Player
Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo
The presence of Cristiano Ronaldo in the ranks would provide a cutting edge to the home team. The Portuguese player has to step up in Bale’s absence and the home crowd would be demanding the repeat of the last season’s semifinal where he led the team from the front by scoring a brace against the German champions.
Robert Lewandowski
The return of the lanky Polish international to the starting lineup means Bayern have a realistic chance to dismantle the Madrid defence. The 28-year-old has scored 38 goals so far and he would fancy a chance against an average Madrid defence.
