12th April 2016 Kickoff: 1945hrs Bayern Munich v Real Madrid Football – Europe – Champions League Along with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are perennial presences in the semi-final stage of this competition but only one of them will be involved in the last four this time around. It was somewhat inevitable that Carlo Ancelotti would be drawn against his previous employer at the first time of asking and whilst it would be more fitting to be further on in the competition – even the final – we get to sample two of Europe’s finest compete over two legs, both of whom could barely in better form.
With another Bundesliga title all but wrapped up following their emphatic 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund at the weekend, Bayern can now concentrate on winning their first Champions League since 2013. Pep Guardiola was unable to achieve it in his three years in charge but few coaches have a greater European pedigree than Carlo Ancleotti who won it twice with AC Milan and again with Real Madrid. Bayern could only finish second to Atletico Madrid in the group stage but they were still able to stroll past Arsenal in the round of 16 as they scored 10 goals over the two games. It was a sign of their intent and an indication of how much life is left in this team despite some concerns earlier in the season. Being drawn against the current champions at this stage is anything but ideal but Bayern look formidable at the moment and could barely be in a better place as they try to seek revenge for losing heavily to this opponent in the 2015 semi-final.
Real Madrid may not have had the hardest passage to last year’s final but they are masters at getting the job done when it matters most and that is what sets them apart from most clubs. Now on 11 European Cups, the Spanish heavyweights are looking to become the first ever team to retain the Champions League and it would be just like them to claim another bit of history ahead of all their rivals. What is different this time around is that they are not having to sacrifice domestic honours in pursuit of more European glory, currently holding top spot in La Liga. For all their success the club have had, they’ve not actually won both competitions in the same season since 2000 which is not in keeping with other recent winners of the Champions League. Many fancied Napoli to spring a surprise in the previous round but Real ultimately showed their class and that desire to win that has been a real feature of Zinedine Zidane’s time in charge. Bayern represent another challenge altogether, though.
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid Betting Tip
Zidane was understandably disappointed when overlooked to replace Ancelotti back in 2015 having been the Italian’s assistant. He had to bide his time that bit longer as Rafael Benitez was quickly removed but the Frenchman has not looked backed since been given the opportunity. Ancelotti will know all about the opposition but that’s only one thing – trying to stop them is another. Real continue to go from strength to strength this season and will be confident of progressing from this tie. They may have to suffer along the way, though, as Bayern are in the best part of their season and with Robert Lewandowski leading the line having the most in form striker in European football at their disposal.
These games so often come down to individual brilliance or mistakes and Ancelotti will be aware that getting the first goal in this game is crucial to Bayern’s chances. They lost an early goal in the semi-final a couple of years back which played right into Real’s hands and their love of the counter attack. It’s a tie that I can see going all the way, even venturing into penalties, but home advantage may just see Bayern home in this particular game.
Bayern Munich 17/20 @ Betfair
