2023-24 UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals: First Leg – Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid

Bayern Munich and Real Madrid lock horns in the first leg of a blockbuster semi-final in 2023-24 UEFA Champions League.

Victory would see Bayern or Real Madrid head into the second leg with the advantage as both teams chase a place in the final.

 

Team News

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Alphonse Davies is available for Bayern after he missed their Quarter-Final second leg win over Arsenal a fortnight ago through suspension.

Leroy Sane (pelvis) is set to be available for selection but Matthijs De Ligt (knee), Jamal Muisala (tendon), Konrad Laimer and Dayot Upamecano (both ankle) are doubtful for selection.

Sacha Boey (hamstring), Bouna Sarr (ACL), Kingsley Coman (adductor) and Tarek Buchmann (muscle) remain absent.

Real Madrid will welcome Aurelién Tchouameni back after he was suspended for their Quarter-Final second leg win at Manchester City.

Daniel Carvajal is suspended for this leg after he picked up his third booking at Man City, whilst Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba both remain sidelined with ACL injuries.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Bayern Munich host Real Madrid at Allianz Arena on Tuesday 30 April at 9pm CEST (8pm UK Time), live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

  • Bayern have won one of their last eight Champions League meetings against Real Madrid (W1, D1, L6).
  • Real Madrid have won three of their last five Champions League visits to Bayern Munich (W3, L2).
  • Bayern have lost their last two Champions League clashes at home against Real Madrid by a 2-1 result.
  • Bayern Munich have kept clean sheets in their last three Champions League matches at home (W2, D1).
  • Real Madrid have kept one clean sheet away from home in this season’s Champions League (W4, D1).

 

Prediction

Having clinically beaten Arsenal in the Quarter-Final despite not totally being at their clinical best and having had to grind out a second-leg win, Bayern will need to raise their game and particularly be defensively alert if want to avoid going into the away leg with it all to do.

Real Madrid though were lucky to even get here after they needed penalties to beat Man City following a scrappy performance, which showed how vulnerable they can be against a top team after City dominated possession but their defence can be tough to beat on their day.

Both teams though are capable of goals so I do expect a fierce scrap and with nothing else at stake, Bayern can afford to throw the house – let alone kitchen sink – at this semi but I can see Real taking something here.

Prediction: Bayern Munich 2-2 Real Madrid

Result: Bayern Munich 2-2 Real Madrid

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