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Real Madrid's next test in the Champions League this season is away at Bayern Munich. the reigning champions are looking to make it 3 titles in a row and are expected to out all guns blazing today.
Los Blancos have a solid squad and will be looking to seal the tie tonight. La Liga is now definitely out of reach and this is the only silverware they can win this season.
Zinedine Zidane's pre-match talk:
Speaking ahead of their first leg vs Bayern Munich, Zidane said, "I don't think there are any favourites. It's a semi-final - it's completely different to last season. It's a different match.”
“We are in the semi-finals and we want to play a good game. We are prepared for that, knowing that we are going to have to suffer. We will need a big performance against a strong opponent. Bayern are a great club with great team spirit. I have no doubts that mentally we will be at 150 per cent.” added the manager.
When asked if the players were ready to repeat their 2-1 win at Allianz Arena last season, Zidane said, “The players like matches like this, even if we know we will have to suffer to get a win here. This is a team which has been fighting at this level for a long time, it's in the DNA of this club.”
James Rodriguez, who is on loan at Bayern from Real Madrid, has been in red-hot form this season. Zidane is wary of the threat he possesses and said, “The only reason he went was that he wanted to play more football.” said Zidane.
“I didn't want James to leave, he wanted more game time, which I can understand. I never had any problem with him, he just wanted to play. James loves to play football, so of course, he'll want to do a good job - but not to show me or prove me wrong.” added the manager.
Team News:
Sergio Ramos is back from suspension and is expected to be on the pitch with the armband. Nacho Fernandez is the only player who is doubtful for tonight as he suffered from a muscular injury.
How Real Madrid should line up:
Keylor Navas; Dani Carvajal, Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Luka Modrić, Isco; Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo.
4-4-2 with a diamond is the best formation for Madrid tonight. It's the formation they have been playing with for a lot of matches this season and it's ideal to go in with the same today.
