European Giants Collide at the Allianz Arena
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The 2016/17 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals has thrown up some intriguing matches but the one which really captures the eye is the mouth-watering clash between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
This is a match which would easily have graced the final in Cardiff but instead we will be treated to two games at the quarter-final stage, the first of which will take place in Germany, at the Allianz Arena.
When the groups were drawn in this seasons Champions League, Bayern Munich were happy. Despite the presence of Atletico Madrid, Group D looked comfortable with PSV Eindhoven and Rostov the additional two teams. The only question was which of Bayern and Atletico Madrid would come out on top.
Having been defeated in Spain 1-0 and suffered a shock defeat in Russia to Rostov, Bayern were forced to settle for second place behind Atletico Madrid. This meant the possibility of a tough Round of 16 draw but Carlo Ancelotti would have been delighted to see Arsenal come out of the hat. Bayern won through with ease, 10-2 on aggregate, to set up this meeting with the current holders.
Real Madrid were also forced to settle for second place in their group, with Borussia Dortmund coming out on top. The killer blow was being held to a draw by Legia Warsaw in Poland and this meant Zinedine Zidane’s team won only 50% of their games in the group stage, winning three and drawing three.
The draw paired Real Madrid with Napoli and despite going behind in both legs, Los Blancos came back to win each leg 3-1 and remain favourites to win the 2016/17 Champions League. However, this tie with Bayern and the first leg in particular is going to be a big test of Real Madrid’s credentials this season.
This is match which should see goals. Trends show Bayern Munich have seen over 2.5 goals in five of their last six Champions League games and there have been over 2.5 goals in each of Real Madrid’s last eight Champions League matches. Furthermore, Real Madrid have scored at least 2 goals in their previous eight Champions League games.
The key to this match and possibly the tie for Bayern Munich, will be how well they defend against the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. This season, Bayern have conceded 2 goals in four home Champions League games but with Mats Hummels injured and Manuel Neuer a doubt, Ancelotti’s team will find it tough to keep Real Madrid out for 90 minutes.
Real Madrid have scored at least one goal in every competitive game they have played this season, which is forty-six games in total. Even when Real Madrid have been held or defeated, they have always scored goals.
Bayern Munich have played twenty-one home games in all competitions this season and scored at least once in each of them. With Real Madrid missing both Pepe and Raphael Varane through injury, the likes of Robert Lewandowski will see this first leg as chance to find the back of the net.
This match will see goals and despite conceding an away goal, Bayern Munich could take a lead with them to Spain for the second leg.
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