State of play
Bayern have long put their 3-1 defeat to VfB Stuttgart at the weekend behind them after what Thomas Tuchel called a “sandwich game” between the two Real legs. The team’s full focus has been solely on the big goal of reaching the Champions League final in London. “It’s a gift and an obligation in one. We’re playing in the semi-final to reach the final. We’re playing to get to Wembley and nothing else,” said the 50-year-old at his press conference on Tuesday evening. Despite a less than pleasing domestic campaign, Bayern have proven this season that they can always switch it on for the Champions League, losing just one out of 11 games in Europe this term (with 10 men away at Lazio).
“I think it’ll be a very complex game, with different phases. In the phases where you have the momentum, you need luck to be on your side, precision and conviction. Then anything’s possible,” Tuchel added. That’s how Bayern want to enjoy their next magical night at the Bernabeu, like in May 2001 with their most recent win at the home of Real, or in April 2012 when they reached the Dahoam final he penalties. “You need to turn the external factors into something positive. We’ll try to do that. If we perform, we’re definitely a candidate for the final,” said captain Manuel Neuer. Tuchel then underlined the facts: “The state of play is clear. The winner goes to Wembley, and we want to be the winner.”
We’ve taken a look back at some huge semi-final clashes between Bayern and Real Madrid at the Bernabeu:
