Schuster backs Real over Bayern

Bernd Schuster is tipping former team Real Madrid to defeat Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals.

Spanish club Real visit Bayern on Tuesday in the first leg of the last-four tie, as they look to secure their 10th European crown.

And Schuster, a retired Germany international who played for and later coached Real, is confident the La Liga leaders will come out on top.

“From my point of view, Madrid are slight favourites,” Schuster told Bild.

“They are having a great season in all competitions and in La Liga they are above Barcelona, who keep being the best side in the world.”

Schuster feels Bayern will need to stop Real’s quick attacking play if they want to reach their second final in three seasons.

“Madrid’s defensive players are not involved in the attacking flow of play, so they give the ball right away to Xabi Alonso,” he said.

“It is important to prevent that from happening. If Cristiano Ronaldo and the rest of the attackers have to move down the pitch to get the ball, they will end up getting tired.

“Moreover, every time that Madrid lose the ball in their own half, it damages them badly.”

The return leg at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu is scheduled for April 25.