Prediction: Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmakers: Bet365

A mouth-watering clash in on programme a bit earlier than both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid would have loved it to. Two of Europe’s greatest football clubs collide in the quarterfinal tie and will both be keen to record the best possible result in the first leg to gain the upper hand for the return match.

Bayern Munich

The Bavarians have been waiting for European glory for four long years. Pep Guardiola failed to win the Champions League last season and with the next big thing at helm, with the Cup specialist Carlo Ancelotti, Bundesliga giants are hoping this could be the year they climb the European throne. The road was bumpy in the beginning as Bayern Munich finished second to Atletico Madrid in the group stage, but the Germans had no problems in the knockouts as they eased past Arsenal with the 10-2 aggregate win. Such a big result will have been a huge morale boost for Ancelotti’s men who had the perfect warm-up for the Wednesday’s match. The Bavarians dispatched Borussia Dortmund 4-1 in Der Klassiker derby at the weekend and will be keen to continue in style against Real Madrid. It will be easier said than done, however, as Ancelotti faces a couple of selection dilemmas which could go on to make his team’s jo0b much harder.

Team News

First-choice goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is nearing a return following his calf injury, which will be a big boost for the squad.

In-form striker Robert Lewandowski sustained a shoulder injury against BVB, but should be fit to play, whereas the availability of Matts Hummels and Thomas Muller remain the two biggest doubts for the match.

Real Madrid

Florentino Perez will find it hard to argue with the fact that Zinedine Zidane is turning into a world-class manager. The trigger-happy president of Real Madrid has set the bar rather high and many top tacticians have paid the price in recent years, many of them getting the sack even for the slightest of slip-ups. The French boss however seems to be enjoying full trust from Florentino Perez, but Zidane also has great results working in his favour. Not only are Los Blancos in the running for the Champions League glory, Real Madrid are doing great in the league as well and this could turn out to be a rather successful season for the Madrid giants. Real Madrid were somewhat unfortunate to let three points against Atletico Madrid slip through their fingers with Antoine Griezmann saving a late point for his side in this weekend’s Madrid derby, but Barcelona’s bust at Malaga means that Los Blancos currently remain three points clear of their fiercest rivals and with a game in hand. As a result, Real Madrid can now shift their full focus to Bayern Munich and will need to be on top of their game if they want to go back home unbeaten and with a favourable result in the bag.

Team News

Real Madrid are experiencing big problems in defence with Pepe definitely ruled out through injury and Raphael Varane under serious doubt due to his muscle problem.

Nacho is expected to partner Sergio Ramos in the heart of defence, whereas full-back Dani Carvajal is also a doubt after missing out the midweek training session.

Key Factors to Consider

• Bayern Munich won 8 of their last 10 matches
• Bavarians managed to keep clean sheet in 4 of last 5 games
• Real Madrid are enjoying a nine-match unbeaten run
• Los Blancos failed to keep a clean sheet in 9 of their last 10 matches
• La Liga leaders defeated Bayern Munich is 3 of last 4 meetings

Conclusion

The stakes are high for two of Europe’s biggest football clubs who would have liked to avoid meeting each other until further on in the competition. Quarterfinals are the end of the road for one of them however and they both are quite keen to avoid being on the losing end.

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmakers: Bet365