Franck Ribery wary of Real Madrid threat

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has warned his fellow Bavarians that they have not yet sealed their place in the 2012 UCL Final despite bossing Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday, April 17.

Ribery opened the scoring for Die Bayern in the 17th minute, but his goal was cancelled out by German international Mesut Özil eight minutes after the second half restart.

Tuesday night was undoubtedly a frustrating one for striker Mario Gomez. The Bayern talisman seemed to always be in the right place at the right time.

However, his goal-scoring touch was non-existent. That all changed in the latter stages of Tuesday’s intense Champions League clash, when Gomez, somewhat luckily, scored with his standing foot following a cross by right-back Philipp Lahm.

Nonetheless, a one goal lead in the Champions League is nothing to write home about, especially since Real Madrid were able to net an away goal.

“I think it was very important for our confidence to win the home game against Madrid,” said Ribery.

“It was a lot of fun tonight, especially with the crowd behind us, but we’re only halfway there. The game in Madrid is going to be very, very tough.

“I don’t think their goal will change much with regard to our tactics in the second leg. We’ll stay compact, just like we did tonight. Madrid will need to attack us and that should give us the opportunity to counter.”

There’s no doubt in my mind that Bayern will not be as adventurous when they face Real Madrid at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on 25 April 2012.

With that said, I strongly believe that the Bundesliga giants should not “park the bus” and “protect what they have” as they say.

In other words, playing not to lose in the Champions League, especially against a club with the quality of Real Madrid, is ultimately a death wish.

To be perfectly honest, it seemed as if Madrid were playing not to lose on Tuesday night. Where did that get them? Well, it’s put them in a must-win situation against a very talented Bayern Munich side.

All things considered, Jose Mourinho’s side can book their place in the Champions League final with just a 1-0 home win. For this reason, Bayern must be more positive than Madrid were at the Allianz Arena.

How can the Bavarians be more positive? Get the ball wide to Ribery and Robben and provide service for Mario Gomez as much as possible. It’s that simple.