7M Preview - Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid
Posted Monday, April 10, 2017 by 7M Sport
The draw for the UEFA Champions League quarter-final took place in Nyon, Switzerland. Reigning champions Real Madrid will face Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. This clash is regarded as the final in advance, and it is undoubtedly the most anticipated duel by the fans. What to expect in this showdown? 7M will bring you the preview of this quarter-final.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are two giants in Europe. They have clinched the trophy of Champions League for 16 times in total. In the history of UCL, both sides have as many as 22 encounters, so their battle is often called as the European Derby. In these 22 meetings previously, Bayern Munich are slightly superior by grabbing 11 wins, 2 draws and 9 losses. But as the current holders of UCL, Real Madrid will not surrender that crown without a fight.
Carlo Ancelotti vs Zinedine Zidane
Bayern Munich's showdown with Real Madrid will be a special occasion for Carlo Ancelotti. The Bayern boss once coached Real in 2013-2015 and led Los Blancos to their 10th UCL triumph in 2014. It is worth mentioning that Ancelotti's then assistant is just Zinedine Zidane, now the manager of Real. Therefore, Ancelotti is excited by his return to Bernabeu and also is looking forward to his tactical warfare with the French icon. This is the first confrontation of Ancelotti and Zidane as managers.
Toni Kroos and Xabi Alonso facing former clubs
Two world-class midfielders Toni Kroos and Xabi Alonso will take on their former clubs in this clash. Kroos was once the playmaker of Bayern, and he moved to Real in the summer of 2014. The Germany international feels excited to face the Bundesliga giants and wants to remove another obstacle from Madrid's path to the final. He said to Marca: "I'm not scared of Bayern Munich."
Bayern midfielder Alonso will also confront his old club. He has announced his retirement from professional football at the end of this season. So the Spaniard surely hopes to wrap up his 3rd UCL trophy to end his illustrious career.
Robert Lewandowski vs Cristiano Ronaldo
There are 2 glorious moments in Robert Lewandowski's career. One is his 5-goal miracle in 9 minutes against Wolfsburg, another one is his 4-goal haul when facing Real Madrid in the UCL semi-final. No other player can bag 4 goals in a single game against Los Blancos in UCL history. The Polish knows exactly how to tear apart Real's defense. As for Madrid talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, he has scored 4 goals in his last 4 meetings with Bayern, so he is still a huge threat for the German champions. Lewandowski or Ronaldo? Who will be the key man in the quarter-final?
Bayern taking revenge on Real?
During Pep Guardiola's spell in Bayern, the Bundesliga giants are knocked out by La Liga powerhouses for 3 successive seasons in UCL semi-final. In 2013-14 season, Guardiola's Bayern were crashed out of UCL by Real with 0-5 on aggregate. Their 0-4 loss in the 2nd leg at Allianz Arena is Bayern's most crushing home defeat in the history of European games. It can be called a disgrace for the German champions. Bayern players are still bitter about that match, and they are eager to prove themselves. Can Bayern take revenge on Los Blancos this time?
No matter which side makes into the semi-final eventually, we expect both giants to present the fans with a fantastic soccer feast.
(7M / Oliver)
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