Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich Champions League preview: Team news and predicted lineups
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Two of Europe’s true heavyweights go head-to-head on Tuesday night as Real Madrid host Bayern Munich at the Bernabéu for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash.
Madrid come into the tie on the back of a setback in La Liga, having lost 2-1 away to RCD Mallorca, slipping further behind FC Barcelona in the title race. Rested from the start, Vinícius Júnior but was unable to turn things around after coming on around the hour mark.
Bayern Munich also had to dig deep at the weekend. Without Harry Kane, who missed out with an ankle issue picked up during the international break, a rotated Bayern side found themselves 2-0 down against SC Freiburg.
However, second-half introductions such as Michael Olise, Aleksandar Pavlović and Jamal Musiala sparked a comeback, as Bayern turned the game around to win 3-2 and maintain their nine-point lead over Borussia Dortmund at the top of the table.
Now, one of the biggest tests of the season awaits Bayern – but belief is high within the squad. After scoring twice against Freiburg, Tom Bischof said he is “sure” Bayern can beat Madrid, while full-back Josip Stanišić insisted the team have “110 percent confidence” heading into the clash.
Team news and predicted lineups:
With Thibaut Courtois sidelined, Andriy Lunin is expected to continue deputising in goal for the hosts, who will also be without Rodrygo.
There is also an ongoing question mark over Jude Bellingham’s fitness following his recent injury layoffs. If the England international isn't deemed fit enough to start, either youngster Thiago Pitarch or Eduardo Camavinga could slot in alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni in midfield.
As for FC Bayern, the main concern is star striker Harry Kane, who missed the Freiburg clash after picking up an ankle knock during the international break. After taking part in Bayern's team training session on Monday, the 32-year-old is expected to start. But should Kane be unavailable, Serge Gnabry could lead the line as he did over the weekend, or Nicolas Jackson could be drafted into the starting eleven.
Meanwhile, Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala only recently returned from injury in the Freiburg game, and it's uncertain if they are fit enough to start.
Third-choice goalkeeper Sven Ulreich and youngsters Cassiano Kiala and Wisdom Mike are all definitely ruled out.
Click here to see our predicted lineups for Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich.
