Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich: Champions League Quarter-Final First Leg Preview

Real Madrid turn their focus to the Champions League quarter-finals as they face in-form Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Real Madrid host German giants Bayern Munich in a quarter-final first-leg clash that marks the 29th meeting between the two sides.

Vincent Kompany’s men travel to the Bernabéu on Tuesday night following their 10–2 demolition of Atalanta in the previous round.

Los Blancos also had a comfortable Round of 16 tie, beating Manchester City 5–1 on aggregate, which followed their narrow win over Benfica in the round prior.

However, Álvaro Arbeloa’s side were dealt a significant title blow at the weekend. A 2–1 defeat to Mallorca leaves them seven points behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race. Attention may now turn towards European glory as they chase a record 16th Champions League title.

For Bayern Munich, the Bundesliga leaders maintained their nine-point lead at the top of the table after a dramatic victory over Freiburg.

A 99th-minute winner from Lennart Karl secured a 3–2 comeback win, extending their unbeaten run to 13 games in all competitions. This consistency has defined their campaign, with Kompany’s side losing just twice in 43 matches this season.

Among the favourites to win the competition, Bayern arrive full of confidence and eager to end their winless streak against Real Madrid.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

This is the most-played fixture in Champions League history, with the two European giants meeting 28 times previously.

Real Madrid narrowly edge the record, with 13 wins compared to Bayern’s 11.

The last meeting came two seasons ago in the semi-finals, where Joselu scored a late brace to secure a dramatic comeback for Madrid, who went on to win their 15th Champions League title.

Real Madrid have eliminated Bayern in their last four knockout meetings and went on to win the competition each time.

The last time Bayern defeated Madrid in this competition was in 2012, when they progressed via penalty shootout.

TEAM NEWS

Álvaro Arbeloa remains without several key players for the first leg.

Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo are both absent, meaning Andriy Lunin is expected to start in goal. Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy are also doubts.

Champions League top scorer Kylian Mbappé is expected to lead the line alongside Brahim Díaz and Vinícius Jr., with the Frenchman aiming to add to his 13 goals in the competition.

For Bayern Munich, Harry Kane is a major doubt due to an ankle injury. The English striker has scored 51 goals in 45 games this season and would be a significant absence.

Nicolas Jackson is expected to replace Kane up front, supported by Michael Olise, Luis Díaz and Serge Gnabry.

Bayern will also be without Sven Ulreich, David Santos and Cassiano Kala, though all attention remains on Kane’s fitness.

PREDICTED LINE-UPS

Real Madrid XI:

Lunin, Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Carreras, Tchouaméni, Valverde, Pitarch, Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., B. Díaz

Bayern Munich XI:

Neuer, Stanišić, Tah, Upamecano, Laimer, Kimmich, Goretzka, Gnabry, L. Díaz, Olise, Jackson