Prediction: Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich

24th April 2012

Bayern Munich may have gained the upper hand of the tie following the 2-1 victory in the first leg, but it is Real Madrid who are considered the favourites to go through. Los Blancos are brimming with confidence after the El Clasico victory over Barcelona and they are hoping to build on that result when they take on Bavarians at Santiago Bernabeu.

In spite of their amazing showings throughout the season, Real Madrid were often put down by the world media for not being able to match arch rivals Barcelona in the much publicized El Clasico derbies. After losing three and drawing two of their first five games against Barca this season, los Blancos were under extreme pressure before the La Liga clash at Camp Nou, especially as the game came just three days after the Champions League defeat to Bayern. Jose Mourinho’s men, nonetheless, showed a lot of character to beat the Catalans at their own ground, thus closing in on the league title, and they now aim to pip their rivals to the Champions League title as well. They first have to eliminate Bayern Munich, however, and while the Bavarians somehow managed to win the first leg at Alianz Arena, they could find it hard to match Real at their Santiago Bernabeu. Having won all five Champions League games at home this season, los Blancos can be trusted to continue the impressive run against Bayern, especially as they are high on confidence after the El Clasico victory.

The prospect of playing Champions League final at their Alianz Arena seems to have driven Bayern Munich forward from the very start to the competition and while the Bavarians failed to meet the expectations in the Bundesliga, they never really disappointed on European stage. After winning the first place in the group of death, Jupp Heynckes’ side easily eliminated both Basel and Marseille to reach the semi-final stage, and they even managed to record a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their semi-final clash. We cannot say the win was undeserved as Bayern indeed played really well in front of their own fans, but term lucky win springs to mind when we know that their first goal was scored from an offside position and the winner came in the dying moments of the game. Given that Real are much more convincing in front of their own fans and that Bayern haven’t really impressed on European travels this season, it is easy to see why the Spanish giants are odds-on favourites to qualify for the final.

Conclusion

Real Madrid proved their worth by beating Barcelona at Camp Nou and with the packed Santiago Bernabeu behind them, they can be trusted to overturn a one-goal deficit from the first leg. Bayern have shown a lot of promise so far, but their defence cannot be expected to contain the likes of Ronaldo, Ozil, Benzema and Di Maria at Bernabeu.

Verdict: Real Madrid to qualify

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: William Hill