In a football season that was messed up at the national level, FC Bayern is still hoping for great international success.
The Munich team will host Real Madrid in the semi-final first leg on Tuesday (from 9:00 p.m.). LIVE-Ticker >>>) and want to lay the foundation for advancement. “We want to get it over the line and reach our big goal: Wembley!”, announced coach Thomas Tuchel, who can probably count on the recently injured Konrad Laimer.
According to Tuchel, the ÖFB team kicker should get fit in time despite a capsule injury in his foot and could help put Tuchel’s creative time in Munich in a completely different light with an advance to the final on June 1st in London against Dortmund or Paris Saint-Germain.
Tuchel would be on top as premier class champion – and not coach critic Hoeneß. “It would compensate for a lot,” admitted Tuchel after 13 difficult months at Bayern marked by bitter defeats, if a happy ending remained possible.
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The “myth” of Real Madrid
Lazio Rome, Arsenal, Real Madrid – Bayern’s arduous path to Wembley has reached the queen stage. “Of course you play against Real against the experience, against the jersey, against the myth,” said Tuchel about the record winner.
Joshua Kimmich expressed his admiration for their opponents as follows: Real would often advance in the Champions League even “if they weren’t the better team.” The DFB international was already burning inside for over 30 hours before kick-off: “I’m extremely happy. It’s a great feeling to play a semi-final against Real.”
Hoeneß’s criticism of the inadequate development of young players under Tuchel and the wait for the new coaching candidate Ralf Rangnick to be confirmed should be pushed into the background during the crucial semi-final days. “We noticed the fire, but for us the two games against Real count,” said Kimmich about the distracting Hoeneß-Tuchel argument. The coach simply said: “Real Madrid! There is only Real Madrid!”
Tuchel is looking for tactical solutions and the right personnel to win the coaching duel with “the legend Carlo Ancelotti”. “This feels like a finale,” he said. “We need an absolutely top atmosphere. There has to be a home advantage, the spectators have to breathe the game,” was Tuchel’s imploring appeal to the Munich fans.
The reputation of the “Bestia Negra” has suffered
He himself has to weigh up how much risk he is taking when fielding struggling players. He expects “last-minute decisions” for Jamal Musiala (tendon irritation) and Leroy Sané (pubic bone). Matthijs de Ligt (knee) is very questionable, Laimer’s chances of playing are likely to be best. “My approach is to line up like in a final,” said Tuchel.
Goal guarantor Harry Kane, young star Musiala or premier class veteran Manuel Neuer in goal should shape the evening and not Kroos, Antonio Rüdiger, Jude Bellingham or star striker Vinícius Junior, who Kimmich in particular has to stop. “He is one of the best dribblers and one-on-one players in Europe,” said Kimmich about the 23-year-old Brazilian.
Bellingham (20) had once again filled the void in Real’s offensive game after Karim Benzema, Tuchel remarked appreciatively: “Jude plays in the ten, nine, eight and six positions in personal union. He is a key player.”
“The whole football world is happy,” believes Manuel Neuer. The first in the all-time Champions League table (Real) meets the second (Bayern). Both clubs fought many legendary duels. In Madrid, Bayern were even considered the “Bestia Negra” for a long time. But since Munich’s semi-final triumph in 2012, its reputation as a “black beast” has suffered. Real always celebrated in the 2014 semi-finals, 2017 quarter-finals and 2018 semi-finals.
Real needs a perfect semi-final against Bayern
The Madrilenians were recently able to afford the luxury of resting a few stars during their 1-0 win at Real Sociedad on Friday. The Spaniards can almost compete with their best line-up; alongside the long-term injured David Alaba and Thibaut Courtois, who is in advanced training, only the suspended Dani Carvajal is missing. Although not ready for action, this trio officially appears in the Real squad and traveled to Munich.
Ancelotti made it clear on Monday evening in the Alianz Arena that his team would not underestimate Bayern. He doesn’t judge Munich based on their season results in the Bundesliga, but rather on their performances in the Champions League.
“They were very good in both games against Arsenal, a strong team,” Ancelotti said. “And Bayern, like us, has a tradition in the Champions League.” Real’s goal is to reach the final again. “But for that to happen, a semi-final has to be perfect,” said the Madrid coach.
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