Real Madrid and Bayern Munich

Combined XI from the Real Madrid – Bayern Munich game

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are two of the most illustrious clubs in the history of the Champions league. There are only a few clubs who can match the achievements of this colossal duo. With superstars on both teams and so much pride at stake, Wednesday night will witness their second encounter in a span of three years as two of the biggest institutions of European club football lock horns in the semi finals of the UEFA Champions League.

Forming a combined eleven out of the huge names that feature in both the line ups is not an easy task. But after a lot of stats analysis and taking into account consistent performances, we have decided on the combined XI from both the teams who feature in a 4-3-3 formation.

Manuel Neuer starts as the goalkeeper of the combined XI

Goalkeeper – Manuel Neuer

Bavarian shot stopper Manuel Neuer has been nothing short of spectacular for the German giants this season. After being included in the ‘World XI’ at the Ballon D’or gala, the goalkeeper has continued to be a colossal figure in goal and has been called the best in the world in his position. While Diego Lopez has been largely impressive for Madrid in the League along with cup goalie Casillas, Neuer convincingly takes the no.1 spot ahead of them due to his consistent performances in all competitions, having made 65 saves and registering 14 clean sheets.

Defenders: Philipp Lahm- Pepe – Dante – Alaba

The back four features three Bayern players out of four with Pepe as the only defender representing Madrid. Ther is no question over Philipp Lahm’s inclusion in the right back position.

If there is any player who has revolutionised the role of a RB, it has to Philipp Lahm. The captain has been a proven leader for Pep Guardiola’s side, adjusting to his roles both as a midfielder and fullback whenever needed. His versatility in passing, exceptional ability to read the game and mark his opponents when tracking back and all round experience make him a comfortable selection over Daniel Carvajal. With 7 assists and a goal this season, Phillip Lahm is a sure-shot selection in the starting lineup.

Pepe has been a different player since returning from his injury this season. He regained his starting spot in Real’s squad and has appeared in almost every game for them. He has been rock solid at the back, making plenty of crucial interceptions and stopping the opposition’s attack when needed. His contribution has been equally important when going forward as the 31-year-old has scored 4 goals and assisted 3 in a span of 29 games.

Bayern Munich’s Dante has been hailed as one of the best defenders in recent times. The Brazilian, who was an important buy from Borussia Monchengladbach, has established himself at the heart of the Bayern’s defence and continues to be a force at the back. He has 3 assists and 2 goals this season which is quite handy for a defender. A late bloomer in the game, his power, strength, tackling, passing and aerial prowess make him a clear candidate for the starting 11 ahead of Sergio Ramos who can be a liability owing to his short temper.

David Alaba started his career by playing in different roles across the pitch. It was in the 2012-13 season that the Austrian developed as a left back. Known for his pace, intelligence and a strong left foot, Alaba has been a pivotal player for Munich, assisting 6 times and scoring 3 goals this season. His effective partnership with Ribery down the left flank has provided decisive moments for the team and together they have made countless contributions while going forward. Meanwhile,Real Madrid have had Marcelo out with injury for most of the time while Coentrao has not started enough to make it into the starting squad.

Midfielders: Kroos – Modric – Di Maria

This was a very difficult lot to choose from considering the immense talent in the midfield that these teams possess. But we managed to narrow it down to the three best performers and keeping the co-ordination in mind, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Angel Di Maria form the three man midfield for the combined XI.

Luka Modric who is positioned as the deep lying play maker has been a huge difference for Real in the centre of the pitch. The Croatian fits perfectly into Ancelotti’s 4-3-3 formation acting as the ball carrier and setting up the attackers in scoring positions. He has anchored the midfield and orchestrated the play in almost every game while being equally effective in breaking up play and tracking back to help the defenders. His competitors Schweinsteiger and Thiago were out with injuries during the initial part of the season with both being alternated in Guardiola’s midfield making him the first choice ahead of the two.

Fellow teammate Angel Di Maria endured a tough start following the arrival of Gareth Bale. The pressure to deliver in such a competitive environment was always there in such a star studded team. But the Argentine took on the challenge and has provided his “Duracell energy” for the whites by running up and down the pitch and being equally dynamic in attack and defence. His effective dribbles and pin point crosses from the left side have been the reason for many of Madrid’s goals. Equally, he has supported the defence by tracking back and breaking up play. With 4 goals and 12 assists, he makes it to the starting line up.

Toni Kroos is known for his passing accuracy and his ability to set up goals. He has also labelled as the “complete midfielder” by many pundits. His movement on and off the ball and his ability to hit long range efforts make him one of the dangerous young midfielders in the world at present. The German has been a regular figure in the Bayern’s midfield this season scoring 3 goals and assisting 6 in the process. With consistent performances and as the most constant choice in his position, Kroos earns a starting spot in the team.

The duo of Bale and Ronaldo lead the attack

Forwards: Bale – Mandzukic – Ronaldo

Again, this was a hard selection process with a bunch of superstars involved from both the teams. But with much thought we have narrowed it down to Mandzukic, Bale and Ronaldo leading the attack.

Gareth Bale has been under the radar since his high profile summer move with a burden to justify his 100 million tag. The Welshman’s season was initially hindered by minor injuries. But despite starting off at a steady pace, Bale has accumulated numbers that justify a good season in his favour. Since his arrival, he has started in 39 games overall scoring 20 goals and assisting 15 at the same time which are some excellent stats considering its his debut season. He features in the staring lineup ahead of Arjen Robben.Here is a comparison between Bale, Ronaldo, Ribery and RobbenMario Mandzukic edges Karim Benzema and Thomas Muller as the lone striker in the starting XI. The Croatian is a perfect example of a classic no.9 who can poach goals, beat defenders in the air, hold up play and support the attack. With 21 goals and 7 assists, the 27 year old has had another good season for Bayern.

There is no doubt about Cristiano Ronaldo’s position in this squad. The Portuguese Ballon d’Or winner leads the La Liga scoring charts with 28 goals. He is the top scorer in Champions League with 14 goals sitting as the joint record holder with Messi for most goals in a single season.This has been his fifth consecutive season where he has managed 40 goals and his consistency down the flanks is second to none. His incredible stats makes him an easy choice for the starting line up over Frank Ribery. The winger is expected to make a return in the 1st leg of the Champions league semi final.

Substitutes: Ribery, Robben, Gotze, Muller, Ramos, Casillas, Alonso