Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid: Preview, Prediction & Betting Tips

The Champions League has reached the semi-final stage as two European giants face off in Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Date: 30/04/24

Kick-off time: 20:00

Venue: Allianz Arena

Both sides fought off English opposition in the previous round, as Bayern Munich prevailed 3-2 on aggregate against Arsenal, whilst Real Madrid beat favourites Man City on penalties following two draws. The Premier League teams were favoured to advance, but Bayern and Real proved that experience is crucial, as they fight to make it to yet another European final.

Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern team have had a disappointing league campaign, but they put that aside in a bid to win their seventh Champions League title, and first since 2020. They have got to this stage by topping their group, and then progressing through Lazio and Arsenal. The Germans have suffered just one loss in the campaign so far, that coming against Lazio in the Round of 16 first leg.

Los Blancos, in contrast, have yet to lose, but have drawn their last three games in the competition. They finished first in their group, winning all six games, before beating RB Leipzig and Man City in the knockout stages.

Goals could be a feature in this one, with both enjoying plenty of success up front throughout the season. Six of Madrid’s 10 games so far have seen over 2.5 goals, whilst the same can be said for Bayern. Overall, they have scored 40 combined, and this tally is likely to be added to with lots of attacking talent on display. Harry Kane is the main threat for the hosts, with seven goals in the competition, and Rodrygo is Real’s leading scorer with five.

This will be the first meeting between the two teams since 2018, when they also met at this stage of the tournament. Real Madrid won the tie 4-3 on aggregate, which included a 2-1 victory away from home. Bayern have won just once in the last eight fixtures.

Bayern Munich Team News

Jamal Musiala missed the last game, but the hope is that he will be available for this one. Konrad Laimer was substituted with an injury, so his availability is in question. Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry are doubts having also been absent at the weekend. Kingsley Coman is out.

Real Madrid Team News

Rodrygo missed the last game with illness but could return. Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba are out for the season, whilst Ferland Mendy may come back.

Bayern Munich Form Guide

In their last five games, Bayern Munich have won four and drawn one. The Bundesliga title is now officially out of reach, but Bayern still enjoyed a good spell which included Champions League progression. The first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal was the first game of this run. They managed to draw 2-2 away at the Emirates. Arsenal went 1-0 up thanks to an excellent finish by Bukayo Saka, though this was cancelled out by ex-Gunner Serge Gnabry, who took advantage of an error at the back. Harry Kane added another goal against Arsenal to his catalogue, as he converted a penalty. Leandro Trossard scored a second-half equaliser to salvage a draw. Bayern then won the second leg 1-0 to advance 3-2 on aggregate. Joshua Kimmich was the winning goalscorer with half an hour to go as he executed a powerful header past goalkeeper David Raya.

Between these two legs was a comfortable 2-0 win at home to Koln. They dominated possession but did not make the breakthrough until the 65th minute, as Raphael Guerreiro struck to put his side in front. It remained a slender lead until second-half stoppage time, when Thomas Muller doubled the lead and put the game to bed. They returned to league action from Europe with a commanding 5-1 victory at Union Berlin. Once again, they were the superior side in possession and this time they were rewarded with more goals. Leon Goretzka opened the scoring on the half-hour mark, before Kane added a second on the stroke of half-time. Muller netted a brace whilst Mathys Tel was also on the scoresheet. The hosts grabbed a last-minute consolation.

Last time out they hosted Eintracht Frankfurt. Kane opened the scoring early, before Hugo Ekitite equalised shortly after. The winner came from the spot in the second half as Kane completed his brace.

Real Madrid Form Guide

In their last five games, Real Madrid have won three and drawn two. It has been a good stretch for Real, as they maintained their lead at the top of La Liga and progressed to the next stage of the Champions League. The run started with European action in which they drew 3-3 with Man City in the quarter-final first leg. City took the lead through an early Bernardo Silva free kick, but the Spanish giants turned it around just 12 minutes later through a Ruben Dias own goal and Rodrygo deflected strike. Phil Foden scored a sublime goal to get his side back on level terms, before another stunning goal from Josko Gvardiol put them in front once more. The tie went back to Manchester level after Federico Valverde added another to the catalogue of fine strikes from this game. However, in the second leg, it was Madrid who advanced to the semi-finals with a penalty shootout win following a 1-1 draw after extra-time. Rodrygo had put the Spaniards in front, but De Bruyne levelled to ensure another 30 minutes of play. In the penalty shootout, Real prevailed 4-3, as Silva and Mateo Kovacic missed for the hosts.

Between these two legs was a narrow 1-0 victory at Mallorca. The visitors mostly dominated, and they were rewarded for their superiority as Aurelien Tchouameni scored the winner shortly after half-time. They returned to league action after their Champions League fixtures with a huge game against Barcelona in El Clasico. They narrowly beat their arch-rivals 3-2, though they went behind early to an Andreas Christensen goal. Vinicius Junior equalised from the penalty spot, but Fermin Lopez restored the Barca lead midway through the second half. Lucas Vazquez quickly got his side back on level terms once more, and Jude Bellingham scored the winning goal in the 91st minute to secure a dramatic victory.

Their most recent outing was a trip to sixth place Real Sociedad. They recorded another three points with a 1-0 win. Arda Guler’s 29th-minute strike proved to be the slender difference between the two teams.

There will be very little to split these two European giants in what should be a hard-fought affair. Goals in this game are to be expected, and we predict the tie to head back to Madrid level – Bayern Munich 2-2 Real Madrid

Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid will be available to watch on the Peacock Network (An NBC live-streaming Platform)