The UEFA Champions League has arrived at its climatic stages. With less than 24 hours to go for the semifinals, fans are already ecstatic about one of the fiercest battles in the competition’s history. 14-time champions Real Madrid take on ‘Bestia Negra,’ Bayern Munich which is having a peculiar season without being in contention for any other title this season. This is expected to make the contest even more interesting, with the Bavarians determined to acquire at least one trophy. But how strong are the two clubs’ squads? Who is out with injuries? And what is the team news? Let’s take a sneak peek.
Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti’s men are in scintillating form, having lost just 2 games in all tournaments. At the same time, Munich has been deprived of their 12th consecutive league title by a team managed by former Madrid. With Thomas Tuchel claiming to make last-minute decisions regarding his eleven, here is all you need to know about tomorrow’s match.
Team News, Lineups & How to Watch: Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich
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Injury Updates
Real Madrid: After suffering a few setbacks in the middle of the season, Real Madrid has almost restored its full squad. The only player out due to a major injury is defender David Alaba. After tearing his ACL last year, the Austrian has also been included in the traveling squad against his former team, but as a spectator. In addition, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois ‘is in good shape,’ claimed Ancelotti, but will mostly not play until the game against Cadiz. Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham and Ferland Mendy are also reported to be back. Both players missed the league game because of stomach issues and muscle injuries, respectively.
Bayern Munich: The German club will welcome back its matchwinner from the quarterfinals, Serge Gnabry. Sustaining a hamstring injury in the first leg against Arsenal, the player will be an enormous boost to Bayern’s squad. Moreover, Konrad Laimer, who was subbed off against Frankfurt twisting his ankle, is also expected to return. However, Dayot Upamecano and Matthijs de Ligt are doubtful after sustaining ankle and knee ligament issues recently.
Team News and Lineups
Real Madrid: The Los Blancos may have a refreshing squad in the first leg, but they will be without Danny Carvjal due to his suspension. Expected to alter the backline, the Italian boss could include Lucas Vázquez.
Expected Lineups: Andriy Lunin; Lucas Vázquez, Antonio Rüdiger, Nacho, Ferland Mendy; Eduardo Camavinga, Toni Kroos, Fede Valverde, Jude Bellingham; Vinícius Júnior; Rodrygo.
Bayern Munich: With Upamecano and de Ligt doubtful, Minjae Kim and Noussair Mazraoui could take the pitch. Additionally, Thomas Muller could be back in the eleven in place of Raphaël Guerreiro.
Expected Lineups: Manuel Neuer; Joshua Kimmich; Eric Dier; Minjae Kim; Noussair Mazraoui; Aleksandar Pavlović, Leon Goretzka, Thomas Müller, Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry; Harry Kane
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Head-to-head and prediction
The fixture is the most played one in the tournament. Real Madrid and Bayern have met 26 times in UCL with Los Blancos winning 12 games and Munich winning 11. However, with Madrid traveling for the first leg, their advantage can be slightly negated by the hosts. Hence the fixture could end in a draw, leaving Santiago Bernabeu to decide the finalist.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-2 Bayern Munich
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When and where to watch the match
The first leg of the UCL between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid will kick off at the Allianz Arena in Munich on April 30th, 2024, 1500hrs ET/ 1200hrs PST. Fans can watch the game live on CBS for English and Univision for Spanish telecast. The live streaming will be available on Paramount+.