Los Blancos were given the weekend off by the LFP to prepare for this very important encounter in their quest to repeat the Barcelona magica of 2009 where they went on to hoist the treble at the end of a historic season. While Gaurdiola is seeking another treble five years after he wrote his name in the stars, Carlo Ancelotti is looking forward to conquering three fronts for the first time in his unarguably excellent managerial sojourn. It is a marmot task for both men and tonight is exceedingly expedient.
Real Madrid can remember their last game with so much excitement. The last time they played a competitive match, the result was a 19th King's Cup triumph and what made the victory sweeter was that it was against Barcelona. Despite the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, the 'whites' came out on top at the Mestalla thanks to Gareth Bale who ran the full length of the pitch to score one of the most memorable goals anyone will ever see. The Welshman stepped up when it mattered most and with 20 goals and 18 assists in all competitions already. In a limited number of appearances, he is justifying the huge transfer fee no doubt. Tonight at the Bernabeu, the merengues are well aware of the task they face. A very good result will be required to have any chance in the return leg as their record in Germany is very poor. If not for the comfortable 3-0 advantage they took to Ruhr and Henrikh Mkhitaryan's profligacy, it would have been an all German semi-final by now. However, they cannot afford to be sloppy at the back when fc Hollywood come to town.
Bayern Munich got clobbered by rivals, Borussia Dortmund two weekends ago but bounced back against lowly ranked Eintracht Braunschweig at the weekend albeit in a late rally. It was their first victory since confirming their status as the best team in Germany. A first win in four League matches for die roten. Their Spanish manager surprisingly sent out a very strong squad for the weekend's game and thankfully, they won in the end. Nevertheless, they know that Real Madrid are a different proposition and only almost perfect performance will give them a fighting chance in Spain. The Bavarian powerhouse will take encouragement from their last visit to Spain, A comprehensive 3-0 obliteration of Tata's Barcelona in last season's semi-final second leg. Arguably Jupp Heynckes' best result last season. But there is a considerable difference between last season and this one and Real Madrid have improved in all areas of the field since Ancelotti took over. Although, the defence is still quite shaky.
PROBABLE LINEUPS-
REAL MADRID-
Casillas, Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao, Alonso, Modric, Di Maria, CR7, Benz, Bale
BAYERN MUNICH-
Neuer, Lahm, Dante, Martinez, Alaba, Schweini, Kroos, Robben, Ribery, Gotze/Muller, Mandzukic
Real are still sweating on the fitness of CR7 heading into this game. The Portuguese has been involved in training and fitness programs in the last couple of days but is still not 100% fit. The heroics of Gareth Bale notwithstanding, his teammates know that they stand a much better chance of winning game after game with him fit and firing. His availability is dependent on how much he wants to be part of tonight's party. Unlike my wrong prediction in the Copa final, I think he will make the starting lineup tonight, except something unforeseen happens in the build up. That will mean that the recently turned 22 year old Isco will have to make do with a place on the bench. The youngster has shone brightly since he started getting picked once again by the coaching staff. Angel Di Maria is expected to start alongside Alonso and Luka Modric. The Spanish-Croatian duo have been very good for the merengues this term, faring well in the absence of Sami Khedira who is going through his fitness program and might play some part in the triplete run-in. San Iker will play in a rare second straight match for his beloved club. The Spanish national team captain held aloft the Copa Del Rey trophy with great pride last week and will very much want to be the man to hold 'LA DECIMA' .The defensive partnership of Pepe and Sergio Ramos can switch off at any given moment. On their day, they are as solid as a rock. The Spanish centurion is prone to nasty challenges now and then. NINETEEN red cards is testament to his rashness and gross indiscipline, Bayern can use this to their advantage.
Die Roten have a strong squad to call upon and Manuel Neuer has given them a fitness boost with his declaration that he will be part of the war. The German number one is rated by many as the best keeper in the World and deservedly so. Thibaut Courtois is running him close. Philipp Lahm should take the place of Rafinha in the Bayern defence, leaving a place in midfield for Toni Kroos to come in and partner last season's best deep lying playmaker, Bastian Schweinsteiger who couldn't feature in Bayern's win over Manchester United due of suspension. The ROBBERY gang cannot be left out of any Bavarian operation nowadays. Their potency and efficiency knows no limitation. They ooze class and quality and should shoot at sight when the need arises. Croatian marksman and top goalscorer, Mario Mandzukic, is expected to lead the line.
Real Madrid have not lost a home champions League game in three years bu they very well know that the last man to beat them now dines with the German Champions. If anyone can scuttle plans at the Bernabeu, Gaurdiola is the best pick. Bayern, on the other hand, have vowed never to be beaten away from home since their collapse at Bate Borisov ten away match days ago. That record will be put to a stern test tonight when the BBC trio pounces on them. The Blancos have swept aside the German champions the last two times they won the big eared trophy. History may repeat itself this season. Bayern can also make it a three-peat against Spanish opposition at this stage of the competition after eliminating Real in 2012 and demolishing Barcelona last year. Madrid will be tired of German teams but have gained revenge against Dortmund. Bayern next?
Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990
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