Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid Champions League preview: Team news and predicted lineups
| Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images |
After winning 2-1 at the Bernabéu last week, Bayern Munich will aim to book their place in the Champions League semi-finals when Real Madrid visit the Allianz Arena for the second leg on Wednesday.
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany rotated his side for Saturday’s Bundesliga match against FC St. Pauli, making seven changes as his team cruised to a 5-0 victory.
The win put Bayern 12 points clear of Borussia Dortmund at the top of the table, moving them ever closer to clinching the Bundesliga title while maintaining strong momentum.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, extended their winless run to three games, as Alvaro Arbeloa's side were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Girona. Far from the ideal build-up to the second leg for the Spanish giants, who now sit nine points behind Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
Bayern midfield strategist Joshua Kimmich, however, is not putting too much emphasis on Real’s domestic form.
“It doesn’t matter at all what their form is like. When it’s Champions League time, they perform. That’s why I think what they’ve done before is irrelevant,” he told Bild ahead of Wednesday's game.
Team news and predicted lineups:
Serge Gnabry was left out of the Bayern squad for Saturday’s win over St. Pauli due to minor knee problems, but is expected to be fit to start on Wednesday. If not, Jamal Musiala will be ready to step in after recording a goal and an assist at the weekend.
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said Harry Kane “felt a few reactions” after returning from injury in the first leg, but after being rested against St. Pauli, the England striker is also fully expected to start.
Young talent Lennart Karl, however, will not be available this time after picking up a thigh injury last week, joining third-choice goalkeeper Sven Ulreich and fellow youngsters Maycon Cardozo, Cassiano Kiala and Wisdom Mike on the sidelines.
As for Real Madrid, star striker Kylian Mbappé missed training on Sunday after receiving an elbow to the head against Girona, but should be available after returning to training on Monday.
Aurélien Tchouaméni is suspended, while Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo remain sidelined.
Click here to see our predicted lineups for Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid.
