18th April 2016 Kickoff: 1945hrs Real Madrid v Bayern Munich – Europe – Champions League Real Madrid took a massive step towards being the first team to successfully defend the Champions League when winning 2-1 in Munich last Wednesday. Two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo – who reached 100 goals in European competition in the process – provided the champions with a crucial victory against a team many believed were best equipped to go all the way in 2016/17. The tie is certainly not over but the advantage is most definitely with Zinedine Zidane and his players going into Tuesday’s return.
It was an excellent away performance all in from Real last week and one that laid down a marker to Bayern and the other six teams remaining in this year’s Champions League. It’s also another feather in the cap for Zidane who – just as it was in his playing days – seemingly only knows how to succeed in management. Ronaldo stole all the headlines by scoring both goals but the result and performance was courtesy of another excellent team display with all of those who took part contributing. The only slight negative on the night was that their dominance – especially in the second half – did not result in a bigger margin of victory to ensure the second leg would be that bit more comfortable. Nevertheless, Real come into the home leg knowing that if they can avoid defeat (or even take a 1-0 loss) then they will reach yet another semi-final. Knowing Real, however, they’ll only be looking to win.
It was a disappointing evening for Carlo Ancelotti as he took on his former club for the first time since leaving at the end of the 2014/15 season. The Italian was dealt a massive blow in the build up to the first leg as star striker Robert Lewandowski was ruled out late on with a shoulder injury. His absence was obvious as Thomas Muller struggled to offer anything close to as similar a threat as that of the Pole. Lewandowski returning to fitness will give his team a much needed boost following the loss last week, particularly how it came about. Bayern were on top for the first half and should have taken a two goal lead into half time but Arturo Vidal blazed his penalty over the bar. It proved to be crucial as Real responded early in the second half and the naïve dismissal of Javi Martinez meant it was an uphill struggle for the Germans. They also had Manuel Neuer to thank for ensuring that the defeat was not much heavier in the end and leaves them with hope they can still turn this around.
Real Madrid v Bayern Munich Betting Tip
I alluded to how close I felt these two teams were in my preview of the first leg by remarking that I believe the tie could go all the way. Whilst I never anticipated Real winning in Munich, I still think there is plenty of mileage in this for Bayern. Last week’s match proved yet again just how fine the margins are at this level and if you fail to take advantage of the periods when you are on top then it is very difficult to win games. The missed penalty and sending off were crucial moments in that match but in terms of the tie overall, Bayern will know they were lucky to escape with a 2-1 defeat – such were the chances that Real passed up.
I will stand by my prediction that there is little between these two and because of that I’ll take Bayern to win tomorrow. Whether that’s enough to see them through the tie remains to be seen but I would not put anybody off backing 2-1 to the away team and for this to require extra time or penalties to decide the victor.
Bayern Munich 19/10 @ Bet365
