Real-Bayern, it’s a rivalry that has marked the last decade, shaped by the greatest players, from Cristiano Ronaldo to Robert Lewandowski… to the unexpected hero of the last semi-final in 2024, Joselu.
“It’s not just a match, it’s the most played fixture in the history of the Champions League: 28 times so far. It’s the pinnacle, the best of matches, a final before the final,” proclaimed former legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge to AS before the clash.
“When the level rises, they become better,” it’s a duel that has often tilted in favor of the King of Europe and his record 15 trophies. Since 2012, the Bayern, six-time winner, has been systematically eliminated by the Spanish giant, even when they seemed superior on paper, as they do before this 29th encounter.
So, caution is necessary for the Bavarians, despite being considered favorites for the final victory and still in contention for a treble, with a comfortable lead in the Bundesliga and a semi-final in the Cup to play.
“The history of both clubs is simply enormous, and the talent that will be on the pitch will be exceptional. With Real Madrid, it’s always like that: when the level rises, they also get better,” Belgian coach of Bayern Vincent Kompany estimated.
Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Luis Diaz form an impressive European trio for Bayern, who need to learn from past lessons and not allow the Santiago-Bernabeu stadium to witness another European miracle.
The presence of English striker Harry Kane in training on Monday, Europe’s top scorer with 48 goals, is therefore a determining factor. Because on the legendary Madrid pitch, being the best often isn’t enough.
Mbappe (again) to the rescue? The double confrontation against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the previous round (3-0, 2-1 for Real), served as a reminder that one should never count out the King. Especially when he plays – as he will on Tuesday – to avoid a second consecutive season without a major title after letting FC Barcelona overtake them in La Liga on Saturday by losing to Mallorca (2-1).
Back from his knee injury after several weeks, French superstar Kylian Mbappe could once again be called upon to save his team and keep hopes alive of finally clinching a first Champions League title.
“Mbappe came to Real Madrid to play matches like tomorrow’s,” said his coach Alvaro Arbeloa about the French forward, heavily criticized before this crucial clash. “I am convinced that we will see him at his best and that he will carry the team as he has always done,” he continued.
