Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich preview

April 17, 2017
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Real Madrid showed a great deal of character to come from a goal down and record a 2-1 triumph at Allianz Arena, but the tie is far from over.

Even though Bayern Munich missed an excellent opportunity in the first leg, they are definitely good enough to overturn the deficit at Santiago Bernabeu.

It is fair to say that Real Madrid haven’t been firing on all cylinders this season, but los Blancos have done really well during the business end of the season.

With games coming thick and fast, Zinedine Zidane had to employ a sensible rotation policy, keeping his players fresh and results respectable, and the general conclusion is he has done a remarkable job.

While creating a serious advantage at the La Liga summit, Real Madrid first eliminated very good Napoli side before defeating Bayern Munich on the road in the Champions League.

Things could have been different had Arturo Vidal scored from the penalty spot late in the first half, but los Blancos kept their calm and ended up winning the game thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace.

With all key men rested in weekend’s clash against Sporting Gijon, red-hot Isco again came to the rescue, scoring two goals to prove he merits a place in the starting line-up.

And with Gareth Bale set to miss the game through injury (Pepe and Varane are also out), the Spain international is finally expected to start a high-profile game.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Navas – Carvajal, Nacho, Ramos, Marcelo – Modric, Casemiro, Kroos – Isco, Benzema, Ronaldo.

Bayern Munich made a real mess out of the first leg against Real Madrid as they had the opportunity to take a two-goal lead to a half-time break.

However, after he had opened the scoring, Arturo Vidal missed a penalty just before the end of the first period and that is when it all started taking a turn for the worse.

Real Madrid performed much better in the second half, scoring two important goals, meaning that the Bavarians will have their work cut out for them at the Bernabeu.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti hopes that star striker Robert Lewandowski will be fit to play after missing the first match, and Bayern are now 4.50 (7/2) to qualify for the next stage.

The Italian is sweating over the fitness of Mats Hummels (ankle) and Jerome Boateng (adductor), which is definitely a problem considering that Javi Martinez is banned.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Neuer – Lahm, Boateng, Hummels, Alaba – Thiago, Alonso – Robben, Vidal, Ribery – Lewandowski.

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