Champions League holders Bayern Munich face an uphill task in the second leg of the semi-final clash against Real Madrid having lost the first match 1-0.

Los Blancos appear to be the favourites to go through at the moment, but preventing the Bavarians from winning at Alianz Arena will not be an easy task.

Becoming the first club in history to defend the Champions League (European Champions Cup) trophy was never going to be an easy task, but the Bavarians did themselves proud with their performances this season.

Bayern eased their way into the semi-finals, but they were not able to fully express themselves in the first leg at Santiago Bernabeu.

And while they were dominating possession, it was Real who were much more concrete up front and deservedly take a one-goal advantage into the return leg.

Nevertheless, we should see a different approach from the Bavarians in the return leg, and I believe there is value in backing them to win at 1.73 (8/11).

Qualifying for the final could prove to be a more difficult task as witnessed by odds of 2.25 (5/4) offered on Bayern to qualify.

Pep Guardiola will have Rafinha back from domestic suspension, but Thiago Alcantara and Xherdan Shaqiri remain on the sidelines.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Neuer – Rafinha, Boateng, Dante, Alaba – Lahm, Schweinsteiger – Robben, Kroos, Ribery – Mandzukic.

Real Madrid may be the most successful European club having won nine European Champions Cup titles, but having won the last of those in 2002, no wonder that winning La Decima remains their number one priority.

And while their league campaign appears to be slipping out of reach, los Blancos are just one step away from qualifying for the Champions League final.

Even with Cristiano Ronaldo crocked and Gareth Bale recovering from a bout of flu, Carlo Ancelotti’s side produced a very good performance in the first leg to record a valuable 1-0 victory.

They have since kept their title hopes in La Liga alive by defeating Osasuna, and they enter the clash at Alianz Arena in high spirits.

Real Madrid are available at 5.00 (4/1) to produce another solid counter-attacking performance and win the second leg, whilst Cristiano Ronaldo is 2.80 (9/5) to score anytime.

Garerth Bale should return to the starting line-up, while Karim Benzema and Pepe have shaken off minor knocks and are fit to start.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Casillas – Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao – Modric, Alonso, Di Maria – Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo.