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UEFA Champions League

How Bayern Munich could lineup against Real Madrid in UCL semi-finals 1st leg?

Published at :April 29, 2024 at 6:52 PM
Modified at :April 29, 2024 at 6:53 PM
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(Courtesy : DFL/Bundesliga)

Akash Mandal


Real Madrid are favourites, but Der FCB are at home

As the Champions League gets down to the business end, the fixtures are getting spicier as Bayern Munich take on Real Madrid in the UCL semi-finals, with the first game being in Germany. The German giants have struggled this season, losing their dominance in the Bundesliga. However, they have been quietly impressive in Europe, topping a tricky group and suffering only one defeat in the process.

The Bavarians face some injury headaches, with players such as Jamal Musiala and Kingsley Coman out with injuries, while the likes of Konrad Laimer and Leroy Sane are doubtful. Here is how they might lineup for the big match:

Bayern Munich predicted lineup (Formation 4-2-3-1)

GK: Manuel Neuer

Captain and veteran Manuel Neuer has a secure place in the starting lineup, with bags of experience to draw upon for high-pressure fixtures such as this. The 38-year-old has 4 clean sheets in 7 European matches this season, having conceded just 4 goals in that span.

RB: Joshua Kimmich

A versatile player, Joshua Kimmich will be responsible for stopping and containing the pace and trickery of Rodrygo in the Madrid right wing. The German is more than capable of doing that and is defensively astute with exceptional positioning.

CB: Matthijs de Ligt

The centre-backs will be crucial to Bayern’s success on the night, with Matthijs de Ligt likely having to deal with Rodrygo on the wings, Vinicius JR down the centre and Jude Bellingham in attacking-midfield.

His pace and athleticism would be required to contain the pacy Madrid attackers. Though the Dutchman was taken off with an injury scare in the last match against Koln, it is likely to be a precautionary change.

CB: Eric Dier

With Dayot Upamecano doubtful for the match, Eric Dier’s experience and reliability is expected to be preferred to Kim-min Jae. The Spurs loanee has been impressive for Bayern so far despite the outcry on his move and has earned manager Thomas Tuchel’s trust. However, his lack of pace might be a potential weakness against the rapid Real Madrid attackers.

LB: Alphonso Davies

Though Alphonso Davies hasn’t had the best of seasons, the Canadian could be a useful asset with his extraordinary pace, helping him to backtrack against the run of play, while also posing a threat on the counter.

CM: Leon Goretzka

With the midfield being a crucial part of the game for winning this fixture, Leon Goretzka might have a big role to play in it. The German’s passing range can help unlock the solid Real Madrid defence, while his accuracy also allows Bayern to maintain more possession.

CM: Konrad Laimer

Another player who was doubtful for the fixture, Konrad Laimer is expected to be available for the match. The Austrian has become an important part of the squad over the season, with his defensive intelligence allowing Goretzka to focus more on the attacking phases of the game. Against Real Madrid, he will probably have the responsibility of snuffing out Jude Bellingham.

RW: Serge Gnabry

Serge Gnabry’s availability for the fixture has been the biggest boost for Bayern this week, with Tuchel proclaiming that the German will pay and score against the Los Blancos. Despite being frustrating at the finish sometimes, he possesses real quality and scored against Arsenal in the first-leg of the quarter finals.

CAM: Thomas Muller

Jamal Musiala’s unavailability has undoubtably been the biggest blow for Bayern Munich. In these circumstances, Thomas Muller will have to play a key part in the attack, replacing Musiala in the side.

The 34-year-old might not have the pace and athleticism he used to have in his prime, but is one of the most intelligent and creative footballers on the pitch, which might make a difference in the game.

LW: Raphael Guerrero

Raphael Guerrero is expected to be preferred to a natural winger due to the defensive cover that he can provide, which would be helpful in defending against the likes of Federico Valverde and Vinicius JR on his side of the pitch. With Leroy Sane’s availability a massive doubt for the match, the Portuguese will have to be on top of his game.

ST: Harry Kane

Harry Kane will once again have to shoulder a large chunk of the goalscoring responsibility, having scored 7 goals and assisted 3 in 10 European matches. Alongside scoring goals, the Englishman will also be important in the physical battle against Antonio Rudiger, stretching the opposition defence and creating spaces for his own team.

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