A place in the Champions League final awaits one of Bayern Munich or Real Madrid. Either side will want the early advantage when they meet in the semi-final first leg, hosted by Bayern this Tuesday. The two sides eliminated Premier League sides in the quarters to get here. Bayern Munich saw off Arsenal 3-2 on aggregate to book this slot as they chase their only possible silverware this season. A 1-0 return leg triumph at home saw Bayern Munich proceed from a tie they failed to replicate previous dominance over the Gunners. They were however just happy to prolong their dominance over the English side. Here, the Germans know, the challenge won’t get easier. Their struggle to beat Arsenal was reminiscent of their fading fluidity this season. Ahead of this game, Bayern had to scrape through a 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga. A brace from their most consistent player, Harry Kane – the second a penalty goal – did it for the Bavarians. On the strength of that win, Bayern secured their place in the Bundesliga top four. That guarantees them a spot in the Champions League next season, but winning this season’s offers a better experience. To this game, Bayern take their chase for a 16th straight unbeaten Champions League home game.
Unlike Bayern, Real Madrid are chasing silverware on two fronts; they are on course to reclaiming the La Liga title. The Champions League presents a more tedious task but not a route they haven't trodden before. Los Blancos had to go the long way in eliminating their English opponents Manchester City, needing penalties after a 4-4 draw. Andriy Lunin was the star in the penalties, saving twice to bail out Luka Modric's miss. The keeper will have another chance to shine on the continental scene as Real eye a 15th Champions League title. A win over Barcelona in the Clasico boosted their La Liga hopes. Most recently, a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad placed them just four points away from another league title. The task at hand will not only be to defend an 18-game unbeaten run; an away win here will be key. Following the elimination of the holders, Carlo Ancelotti’s side is unbeaten in the Champions League this season. It gets better against Bayern Munich as Real Madrid are unbeaten in their last six Champions League matches against the Germans.
Our prediction for Bayern Munich v Real Madrid is for the game to end in a draw. Two giants of European football face off here. Bayern Munich haven't had their usual flair this season, and it could get tougher facing these European giants. The hosts however have a good home run coming into this game. On their part, Real Madrid have done well in the Champions League this season, and have also had a good run against Bayern. There’s enough ahead of this game to suggest it will be an evenly fought affair.