Real Madrid are weakening in the league – but for Joshua Kimmich that doesn’t matter ahead of the clash with FC Bayern
Real Madrid’s form has been on a clear downward trend of late. The Whites have failed to win their last three competitive matches, including a 2-1 loss in Mallorca and a defeat in the first leg against FC Bayern. Most recently, Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw against Girona
However, FC Bayern are not letting themselves be blinded by this and after the 5-0 win against FC St. Pauli, Joshua Kimmich made it clear that such statistics are hardly meaningful when it comes to the Champions League
The midfielder warned against underestimating Real Madrid – regardless of recent results
Kimmich makes it clear: form doesn’t matter
„It doesn’t matter at all what their form is like. When it comes to the Champions League, they perform. That’s why I think it’s irrelevant how we played before,“ Kimmich explained after the game
The 31-year-old’s statement underlines the special role Real Madrid play in the Champions League. The Spaniards have proven time and again that they can raise their level, especially in knockout matches – even when things are not going well at national level
The first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu also showed how dangerous Real remain despite their fluctuating form, with Bayern having to defend with concentration for long stretches to secure a narrow lead
FC Bayern’s strategy is therefore clear: maximum concentration in the second leg, regardless of the starting position or the form of the opponent
Although the German record champions go into the clash at the Allianz Arena with a 2:1 advantage, the team is aware that nothing has yet been decided against Real Madrid.