The European classic goes into the second round: FC Bayern will be looking to secure a place in the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday evening in the quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid. You can follow the match in the LIVETICKER on FCBinside and discuss it with the community
FC Bayern are facing one of the most important games of the season – and rarely has the starting position been as promising as this time. After the 2-1 win in the first leg at Real Madrid, Munich have everything in their own hands at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday evening to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time in years
The victory at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu was more than just an exclamation mark. It was the first win after 90 minutes in Madrid for 25 years – a historic moment that shows just how stable and mature Vincent Kompany’s team currently is. At the same time, it ended a long negative streak against the Whites, against whom FC Bayern had recently failed to reach the knockout phase four times in a row
Bayern with confidence and a record-breaking attack
The fact that Munich go into the second leg with a broad chest is not just down to their first-leg success. Their domestic game is also going like clockwork at the moment. In the 5-0 win against FC St. Pauli, the record champions set a new Bundesliga record and broke the 101-goal mark for the season on matchday 29
This attacking power is currently Bayern’s greatest asset. The team plays with enormous enthusiasm, combines pace with efficiency and looks solid in almost all parts of the team. It is precisely this mixture that currently makes FCB one of the most dangerous teams in Europe
At the same time, everyone involved is aware that Real Madrid are an opponent that should never be written off. Despite the deficit, the Spaniards have proven time and again in the past that they can turn around even seemingly lost duels
However, the signs have changed: unlike in previous years, Real will arrive with the pressure on – and Bayern have the better starting position for the first time in a long time
This is a great opportunity for Munich not only to reach the semi-finals, but also to rewrite a piece of club history. Advancing against Real would send a clear signal to Europe: FC Bayern is back at the very top
Allianz Arena as the key
The atmosphere in the Allianz Arena could be a decisive factor here. Bayern have shown several times this season that they can reach another level in front of a home crowd
With the tailwind from the first leg, their current top form and the support of their own fans, there is much to suggest that FC Bayern will take the final step. But against Real it is more true than ever: one moment can change everything
Munich have been warned – and that could be the decisive advantage in the end.