With their second consecutive Bundesliga title within reach, Bayern Munich’s full attention is now directed towards cup competitions until the end of the season. Facing a potential semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain or Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League and Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB Pokal, head coach Vincent Kompany has the opportunity to emulate Jupp Heynckes and Hansi Flick by achieving an unprecedented treble.
Holding a narrow 2-1 lead from their first leg at the Bernabeu, Bayern is in a favorable position as they aim for their seventh Champions League title.
The six-time European champions reinforced their strong performance in Madrid with a dominant victory over St Pauli in the Bundesliga on Saturday, even with several key players rested. Star players like Harry Kane, Aleksander Pavlović, and Dayot Upamecano were not utilized by Kompany, as the three points were secured by the hour mark.
Their opponents from the Spanish capital, who have won the competition a record 15 times, drew 1-1 with Girona in their return to league action on Friday. While Real Madrid also rested some key players, their lineup still featured stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior.
Following Manuel Neuer’s standout performance in the first leg, Kompany lauded his veteran goalkeeper: “It wasn’t just experience, it was quality. He was very agile, which he only manages because he does so much for his body during the week. He makes it look so easy. You see these saves, which all look so safe, but they’re difficult moments for a goalkeeper. We needed that, and we’ll need those moments again in the coming weeks.”
The 40-year-old goalkeeper will need to be at his best again on Wednesday, as Bayern may face a sustained barrage of attacks from Real Madrid, who are seeking a comeback. Kompany acknowledges the significant threat posed by Real. Prior to the first leg, he stated: “Every team at this level is dangerous. We want to not concede any goals and score at least one. There’s no specific game plan against a team like Real. We have a lot of topics that we’re attending to. I hope we have enough answers up our sleeve.”
Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid Team News
Barring any last-minute issues, Harry Kane is expected to start. However, the players supporting him remain uncertain. Serge Gnabry was absent from the squad against Hamburg on Saturday due to a knee problem, and his fitness for an immediate return is yet to be confirmed. Raphaël Guerreiro impressed in his place, securing the win against St Pauli. Jamal Musiala is the likely candidate for the No. 10 role, but questions remain about his readiness to play two games in five days after a lengthy injury layoff.
The visitors will be without Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo due to injury, and Aurélien Tchouaméni is suspended.
Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid Predicted Line-ups
Bayern Munich: Manuel Neuer – Josip Stanisic, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, Konrad Laimer – Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlović – Luis Diaz, Jamal Musiala, Michael Olise – Harry Kane
Real Madrid: Andriy Lunin – Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rudiger, Alvaro Carreras – Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham – Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior
