Real Madrid-Bayern Munich: winning at the Bernabéu? A complex challenge to achieve

Freshly titled for the 36th time in its history in the league, Real Madrid intends to build on its good momentum by qualifying for the Champions League final on June 1 at Wembley. Facing them stands Bayern Munich in full doubt following its defeat on Saturday against Stuttgart (3-1), a club where former Rennais Serhou Guirassy plays in particular. During this meeting, the Bavarians lost Raphaël Guerreiro to injury. He is officially forfeited for Wednesday's trip.

The Germans, who are struggling to avoid a blank season, are still alive after the first leg draw (2-2). Victory is mandatory to oust the club from the Spanish capital. A challenge that promises to be tough for Thomas Tuchel and his men on the pitch at Santiago Bernabéu. And for good reason, Real has not lost in the Champions League in its lair since April 12, 2022 and a match against Chelsea (2-3, after extra time).

A major club in Europe must protect its bases in the Champions League. The most successful team, Real Madrid and its 14 final victories in the most prestigious competitions on the Old Continent know this very well. To see the Madrilenians lose at home on the European scene, you have to go back to April 12, 2022 against Chelsea (1-3, then 2-3 after extra time). That day, Antonio Rüdiger was still playing for the London club, before joining the Merengues the following summer.

Since this date, Ancelotti and his men have not been defeated in their garden in 12 matches (9 wins and 3 draws). Present at a press conference on Tuesday, Carlo Ancelotti is not worried: “I am confident because it is Real Madrid, we have this team, I trust the fans who will help us.” The task therefore promises to be difficult but not impossible for Bayern Munich. Thomas Tuchel and his players intend to play their luck bravely.

Being close to succeeding only to fail! For two years in the Champions League, several teams have undermined Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. But the stars aligned and the magic worked to allow the Madrilenians to get out of delicate situations in a miraculous way and ultimately win. Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City have, in particular, paid the price.

On May 4, 2022, the day of the semi-final return between Real Madrid and Manchester City, an irrational scene occurred. Eliminated at kick-off after the loss of the first leg (4-3), the Madrilenians had to react. But when Mahrez cleared Courtois' top corner with a heavy strike from the left (72nd), the hopes of qualification seemed distant... With two goals to make up for. But as Carlo Ancelotti recently repeated, “Madrid never dies”. This team has something extra. That evening, he was Brazilian. Coming into play in the 68th minute, Rodrygo and his 74 meter snatched extra time by shaking the nets twice (90, 90 1). Everything had to be done again for the Skyblues. After his double in the first leg, Benzema made the difference from the penalty spot and propelled his team to the final in Saint-Denis.

Like this evening engraved in the memory of football fans, Real Madrid could have fallen. But in the end, he managed to get his head above water to win and maintain his invincibility at home which has lasted for two years now in the Champions League. This Wednesday, it's Bayern Munich's turn to try to end this series. But be careful, it doesn't take much for the Spaniards to capsize a match and an entire stadium. The Germans have been warned.

“Hala Madrid.” The motto is simple. Translated as “Allez Madrid” in French, this tune is sung by supporters at the start and end of each match. Singing ensues throughout the entire meeting. Before their trip to Santiago Bernabéu, the visiting teams know that they will not face eleven players but an entire stadium with a common goal: victory. “90 minutes at the Bernabéu is a very long time, for many reasons. In fact, we expect to play several matches in one,” explained Pep Guardiola on April 8.

The unconditional support of the more than 84,000 spectators present in the enclosure galvanizes Real. “It’s an incredible feeling to hear the Bernabéu chanting your name. Once again, I want to thank them for their support,” confided Luka Modric after a Madrid derby. This Wednesday, the twelfth man could well have a leading role in qualifying for the final. If the players should put on a show on the pitch, the public will put on a show in the stands for, at least, 90 minutes.