Heynckes relishing ´special´ tie with Madrid

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes believes his side’s clash with Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals will be special.

The 66-year-old was in charge of the Santiago Bernabeu outfit back in season 1997-98, when he led Madrid to a triumph in Europe’s elite club competition.

With his current employers looking to replicate this feat, Heynckes has admitted that he is relishing the prospect of facing his old side.

“Yes, the game is more special than I could have imagined,” he said on Saturday.

“When I heard the draw I called several players that were there during my tenure, including (Real Madrid assistant coach) Aitor Karanka.

“It will be a joy to play at the Bernabeu. It is a great stadium with an incredible atmosphere. I am looking forward to returning and experiencing those feelings again.”

Madrid face Sporting Gijon in La Liga on Saturday, while Bayern take on Mainz in the Bundesliga, but Heynckes knows that he cannot afford to rest too many players with the European first leg in mind.

“Although I can make changes, Madrid could make more and field a B team against Sporting,” he said.