Fourteen times European champions Real Madrid have been unbeaten in the last six matches against their European rival Bayern Munich and are now looking to extend their dominance. The Spanish giants visit Allianz Arena, the Home of the Bavarians, for their UEFA Champions League semifinal tie tonight.
The rivalry between the two European powerhouses has been dubbed the European Classico by the fans for their most frequent encounters. The two clubs have faced each other 26 times, the most in the Champions League’s history.
The rivalry roots back to the 1975-76 European Cup semifinals where Bayern Munich came on top of the Los Blancos winning the tie 3-1 on aggregate. Bayern eventually went on to win the tournament. Since then, the two have had almost even head-to-head successes. Real have won 12 games to Bayern’s 11 while three others ended in a draw.
No team from outside of Spain has beaten Real on more occasions than Bayern's 11 wins. And because of the tough challenge they face against Bayern, Real fans have given their rival the name ‘bestia negra’ (black beast).
Despite giving the forbidding nickname, Real have clearly dominated them in the last decade. They have knocked the German giants out in each of their last three encounters, in the semi-finals in 2014 and 2018, and the quarter-finals in 2017.
Real Madrid have gone on to win the whole thing on each of these three occasions.
Current form
Real Madrid have a 13-point lead in the Spanish LaLiga ahead of second-placed Girona and a 14-point lead ahead of third-placed Barcelona with six matches remaining. They have almost secured their 36th league title with their 1-0 win at Real Sociedad.
To complete a double, they have to overcome European royalty Bayern Munich, who have won the Champions League six times, the third highest.
Despite losing their Bundesliga title to Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern are having a great European run. Bayern have lost only one of their past 24 Champions League home games and are undefeated in 15 (W12 D3).
Furthermore, the Munich men have failed to score in only one of their past 29 UCL home games at the Allianz Arena.
It may seem Bayern are not doing so well in the domestic League, but they have already earned 69 points, just two less than what crowned them their 11th consecutive Bundesliga title — which means they are still better than their previous season. If not for Xabi Alonso's extraordinary run with Leverkusen, they would have had their hands on the 12th.
Star-studded squads
Real's success in reaching the Champions League final four this year may be attributed to the quality of their roster. Starting at the back, central defender Antonio Rüdiger has established himself as the team's rock.
Rüdiger has lately been paired with captain Nacho or Aurelien Tchouameni. David Alaba, a former Bayern Munich player, has a cruciate ligament injury that will keep him out for several months.
Dani Carvajal, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, who have played 360 Champions League matches combined, provide the most experience to this Real Madrid team. Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde have frequently played in midfield alongside former Bayern Munich playmaker Kroos, with 20-year-old Jude Bellingham their best scorer.
Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior (both 23) round out the fascinating teenagers in the final third.
Bayern on the other hand, have a world-class squad as well. However, their main strength is how they have been dominating the battles in the middle of the park.
Midfield maestro Thomas Muller will be returning in this tie, setting a landmark of playing 150 UCL matches for a single club.
Only Xavi Hernandez (151) for Barcelona and Iker Casillas (150) for Real Madrid have reached the milestone.
Jamal Musiala’s return from the injury would add more versatility to the Bayern squad. However, the absence of Kingsley Coman and Conrad Laimer may worry the Bayern fans.
Battle of the masterminds
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is unarguably one of the greatest managers of all time who has experience in 201 Champions League matches. He is also the most decorated coach in the history of the tournament with four titles to his name.
The Italian won the title twice with AC Milan, in 2003 and 2007, and again with Real Madrid in 2014 and 2022, respectively.
Bayern on the other hand, will have Thomas Tuchel on their side who have an exceptional record against Real Madrid.
The German has faced Real eight times in European tournaments with his former teams Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint Germain and Chelsea, and has lost only once.
