Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid
UEFA Champions League Quarterfinal First Leg
Date: Wednesday, 12th April 2017
Kick-off at 19:45 UK / 20:45 CET
Venue: Allianz Arena (Munich).
Bayern Munich host Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals. This isn’t the matchup that either team wanted. Both would’ve prefer to see this at the earliest in the semifinals. However, you must play the hand you’re dealt.
Carlo Ancelotti’s big decision on Wednesday will be whether or not he puts Thomas Müller on the field from the start in the match. Müller is coming off of an ankle injury, but he participated in full training over the weekend and will be ready to go for the big match.
Still, it may be tempting to rely on the midfield trio of Thiago Alcantara, Xabi Alonso, and Arturo Vidal. Is Müller best suited for a second half substitute role when the Madrid defenders have some tired legs and minds?
The big news this week was the loss of Mats Hummels for he foreseeable future with an ankle injury suffered in training. This is somewhat canceled out by Pepe being ruled out due to broken ribs. The Bayern defense will pick itself in this match.
We asked three of our writers to predict what lineup Ancelotti will play against Madrid.
Bayern Munich: Form Guide and Key Stats
The Bavarians are coming on the back of an intimidating home form. They scored 29 goals in the last six at the Allianz Arena, the most recent a 4-1 win against Borussia Dortmund. On a broader picture, they are unbeaten at home in all competitions this season with 18 wins and 3 draws from 21 matches.
The 5-1 win against Arsenal on 16th February is Bayern’s 16th straight home win in the Champions League. Once again, their last home defeat was against none other than Real in the second leg of 2012/13 Champions League semi-final.
Real Madrid: Form Guide and Key Stats
Real Madrid are coming on the back of a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid, which stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to 9 matches.
In Champions League Madrid can boast of a 12-match unbeaten run. However, they have won only two of their 5 away games during the period.
The Los Blancos defeated Napoli in the round of 16 with a 6-2 aggregate score, winning both legs by the same 3-1 margin.
Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid: Head-to-head
Overall 22 Matches: Bayern 11 wins, Real Madrid 9 wins, Draw – 2.
Bayern’s home record versus Real in 11 matches – 9wins, 1 draw, 1 loss.
Bayern’s record against Spanish Teams in European Competitions (53 matches): 25 wins, 12 draws, 16 losses. At home, 18 wins, 5 draws and 2 losses from 25 matches.
Real Madrid versus German Bundesliga sides in Europe (64 matches): 29 wins 12 draws, 23 losses. In away trips to Germany, 4 wins, 7 draws, 19 losses from 30 matches.
Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid: Prediction
The clashes between these two teams are always closely contested and often decided by the slimmest of margins in the second leg. Bayern must be considered as heavy favourites to win this mainly because of their home record. But they do have a big hole in defense in the absence of Manuel Neuer. Therefore, Madrid will get a goal or two here and Bayern are likely to earn a slender lead to take to the second leg in Spain.
Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid: Bet Tips
BTTS and Over 2.5 goals at 1.90 with Bet365.
Bayern to score in first-half at 1.66.
