After passing the quarter-final test, FC Bayern Munich feels ready for big football evenings against Real Madrid.
“I think something happened against Arsenal. You could feel it in the dressing room afterwards,” said midfielder Leon Goretzka. “This could be the start of something big.” The Munich team won 1-0 at home against Arsenal in the Champions League after a 2-2 draw in the first leg thanks to a goal from Joshua Kimmich.
On Tuesday (9 p.m./Amazon Prime Video), the Munich team want to lay the foundation for their desired progression in the first leg of the semi-final at the Allianz Arena a week later at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid. The goal is the final on June 1st at Wembley Stadium in London.
Goretzka: “I’m extremely happy”
“I believe in us. We had a turbulent season. The Champions League is our last chance to win a title. We will prepare very well and have a good match plan,” said Goretzka on the FC Bayern website. “I’m really looking forward to the game. I’ve never had the experience of Bayern against Real. What could be better than a pairing like that in the Champions League semi-finals?!”
Some personnel issues are still open for the Munich team. Leroy Sané and Serge Gnabry, who were recently absent, are expected to return for the first leg. After his forced break due to knee irritation against Eintracht Frankfurt, Jamal Musiala is expected to be back in the final training session on Monday. It will also be interesting to see whether Matthijs de Ligt and Konrad Laimer, who were substituted against Frankfurt due to injuries, can train with the team.
Ancelotti spared stars in league
The Royals land in Munich on Monday afternoon and stay at the Hilton Munich Park. The Spanish record champions won 1-0 (1-0) in the Primera División against Real Sociedad San Sebastián on Friday with a better B team. Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti rested numerous regular players shortly before Tuesday’s premier class duel with Bayern, including German national players Antonio Rüdiger and Toni Kroos. Defender Rüdiger came on as a substitute in the second half. Midfielder Kroos, like the ailing offensive star Jude Bellingham, was not used at all.
