Real Madrid v Bayern Munich | Match Preview

In a clash between two European heavyweights, Real Madrid take on Bayern Munich in the second-leg of their Champions League semi-final tie at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night.

Last week’s first-leg ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw after Vinicius Junior’s brace earned Los Blancos a share of the spoils under the lights of the Allianz Arena. The Brazilian forward gave Madrid the lead mid-way through the first half, coolly slotting the ball past Manuel Neuer after former Bayern star Toni Kroos picked him out with a defence-splitting pass. Leroy Sane drew Bayern level with a terrific solo effort early in the second half before Harry Kane fired home a penalty to give the Bavarian side a 2-1 lead just four minutes later. But Vinicius equalised from the spot in the 83rd minute, meaning the tie is finely poised heading into Wednesday night’s second-leg.

Carlo Ancelotti made 11 changes to his Madrid side in Saturday’s 3-0 win over relegation strugglers Cadiz, meaning the 14-time Champions League winners will be fully rested for their semi-final clash with Bayern in mid-week. After El Clasico rivals Barcelona failed to beat Girona on Saturday evening, Madrid were officially crowned La Liga champions for the 36th time in their history.

⚪️🏆 Real Madrid win La Liga for the 36th time in their history!

Fantastic season by Carlo Ancelotti’s team with Champions League semi final to follow on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/HZTrZ44KuS

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 4, 2024

Thomas Tuchel’s side, on the other hand, come into the second-leg on the back of a 3-1 defeat to Stuttgart who closed the gap on second-placed Bayern to just two points on Saturday.

Stuttgart get a famous W against Bayern 🔥 pic.twitter.com/VlqAuKUwu4

— 433 (@433) May 4, 2024

The unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen were officially crowned German champions last month, meaning Bayern have failed to win the league title for the first time since the 2011/12 season when Jurgen Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund triumphed in the Bundesliga. Despite their poor domestic form, Bayern impressed in their quarter-final victory over Premier League title-chasing Arsenal last month, and Tuchel will be hoping his side can continue their momentum in Europe on Wednesday.

Team News

Madrid have a fully fit squad to choose from on Wednesday night, however Ancelotti has confirmed that Thibaut Courtois will not start against Bayern Munich as the Belgian continues to build up full match sharpness following his recent return from an ACL injury.

🗣️ Carlo Ancelotti: “Andriy Lunin will play vs Bayern then we'll see.” @carrusel #UCL pic.twitter.com/lfKZeNLC12

— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 3, 2024

Bayern suffered a double blow against Stuttgart on Saturday after Eric Dier (head) and Raphael Guerreiro (ankle) were both forced off through injury. Dier is a major doubt for Wednesday’s second-leg, while Guerreiro will definitely be out. Kingsley Coman (groin), Sacha Boey (hip), and Bouna Sarr (ACL) all remain sidelined. In more positive news for the Bavarians, Matthijs de Ligt returned to training on Sunday following a knee injury.

🚨 Bayern confirm Raphaël Guerreiro has sustained a ligament and capsule injury in his ankle — he will miss Real Madrid game on Wednesday.

↪️ Matthijs de Ligt, back to team training today. pic.twitter.com/Zh8T6R2EHt

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 5, 2024

Predicted Lineups

Real Madrid: Lunin, Carvajal, Rudiger, Fernandez, Mendy, Tchouameni, Valverde, Kroos, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius.

Bayern Munich: Neuer, Kimmich, Kim, De Ligt, Mazraoui, Laimer, Goretzka, Sane, Muller, Musiala, Kane.

When & Where To Watch

Real Madrid v Bayern Munich kicks off at 8:00pm BST on Wednesday 8 May, 2024. Coverage for the game starts at 7:00pm BST on TNT Sports 1.

Score Prediction

Real Madrid 2-1 Bayern Munich (4-3 agg.)