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5 reasons why Bayern Munich can beat Real Madrid this time around

Published at :April 23, 2018 at 10:14 PM
Modified at :April 23, 2018 at 10:14 PM
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Atrayo Bhattacharya


The Bavarians came closest to dethroning the reigning European champions last season and are well-equipped to go one better.

                                 "A stone of revenge never decays"

Just like the quote above, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich's eternal rivalry in Europe has only grown fierce through the years. Both the clubs are extremely consistent on the European front. Yes, Real Madrid have won the UEFA Champions League 12 times, but Bayern have never dished out of the competition without putting up a strong fight. The German champions have faced Los Blancos the most number of times in the knockout stages and hence some people even call this fixture as the European Clasico.

This year again, Real Madrid have battled their way past strong opposition like Paris Saint Germain and somehow edged ahead against Juventus in the quarterfinal. Whereas Bayern have had a more seamless ride till now, playing Besiktas and Sevilla. Bayern did break their Spanish jinx away to Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, but they faced a tough fight at the Allianz Arena ending the match in a goalless draw.

So, both teams are evenly matched going into this one and one cannot say when the tables could turn. Being reigning champions, Real Madrid are favourites, but Bayern with their veteran manager, Jupp Heynckes can definitely end the merry run of Zinedine Zidane and contingent.

Here are the reasons why the Bavarians could become the first team to beat the Spanish giants over two legs in Europe in more than two years.

1. Jupp Heynckes, the silent guardian of Bayern Munich

Heynckes won the treble in 2013 and will look to make history once again

Jupp Heynckes was at helm earlier when Bayern were in the semis and back then they went on to win the treble in 2013/14. Heynckes personally has a great record in Champions League semi-finals as the veteran has never lost at this stage, whether it is with Bayern or Real Madrid. The 72-year old manager came out of retirement to anchor the sinking ship of Munich. The Bavarians were underperforming in the league as well as in Europe, but the treble-winning coach believed in his players and steadied the team.

Bayern have again returned to their very best under him and have secured their sixth consecutive Bundesliga title. Heynckes is one person whom everyone associated with Bayern, be it players, staff or supporters, respect and love. So, the team will want to reward their legendary manager and bid their final goodbye to him by lifting the Champions League crown. But for that, they need to get past the most difficult hurdle in the semis and with Heynckes at their helm, they have just the man to do the job.

2. The most complete team yet to take on Los Blancos

Real Madrid went through last season, in a controversial quarterfinal tie against Bayern as there were a lot of talking points in both legs. But, the Bavarians will look to put all that behind them and should improve on their mistakes from last season. They have a larger squad and better squad depth to cross swords against Europe's current best. They have a pretty strong side and with Heynckes at the helm, the team looks better than ever.

The Bavarians have even clinched the Bundesliga title for the sixth consecutive time and hence Heynckes had to rotate the players to keep them fresh ahead of this mouth-watering clash. As such, The players will be fresh and energetic and will be up for the challenge. Bayern have been very consistent and despite Madrid overpowering every opponent in Europe, the Bavarians look competent to end their dream questy of winning three consecutive Champions League titles.

3. Inclusion of James Rodriguez 

James Rodriguez joined Bayern at the beginning of this season and since then, he has flourished. The Germans look set to exercise the option to buy at the end of the campaign and will look to keep him permanently from Real Madrid.

James couldn't become a regular part of Zidane's plans at Real and spent most of the time on the bench. However, the Colombian has been in scintillating form to say the least. Right from his deft touches to outsmarting opposition defenders to his deadly long-balls, James has everything up his sleeve.

He gave a cracker of a performance in the second Der Klassiker of Bundesliga 2017-18

He's definitely going to be a menace for the Real defence when they go head-to-head and the South American will be determined to showcase his talent. Rodriguez will be crucial with his antics whenever the gaffer would decide to bring him on the field. The winger has developed a great understanding with his fellow teammates and his quick passing and excellent vision will definitely keep the defenders on their toes.

4. Bayern have quality midfielders to dominate the crucial midfield battle

Javi Martinezhas been relieved of his defensive duties and allowed to play in his favoured defensive midfield position. The Spaniard acts as a shield for the back four as well playing as a deep-lying playmaker. Martinez, taking on added responsibility at the back, helps midfielders like Thiago Alcantara and James to go forward and help the attack. Rodriguez has been a revelation for the Bavarians and has been the creative heartbeat of the team.

Whereas Thiago may be played in a deeper role by Heynckes as the Spaniard may partner his compatriot Javi in midfield and will aim to pull the strings sitting deep in the middle of the park. Both are extremely gifted midfielders and apart from their creativity and vision, both possess good energy and urge to win back possession whenever needed. The midfield trio of Bayern will look to cut out passing lanes of both Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. While James or Mueller look to drag Casemiro out of position and create loopholes in the Madrid defence. 

ALSO READ:

How Jupp Heynckes managed to anchor a drowning ship Munich?

Marking 60 years of the Munich air disaster: Everything you need to know

Top 5 players who could replace Arjen Robben at Bayern Munich

5. Bayern can expose the chink in Real's armour like Juve 

Mandzukic was the key against the reigning European Champions

Juventus were absolutely superb against Real Madrid in the second leg of their quarterfinal clash and the main tactic of that match was utilizing Mandzukic's heading ability. The Croatian forward has featured time and again as a left winger for Juve. Mandzukic simply overpowered Dani Carvajal, who isn't great in the air, as he headed home a brace to start the stunning comeback for the Bianconeri.

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Similarly, Bayern will look to expose Real in the wide areas, as David Alaba and Franck Ribery's combination and understanding is not unknown and on their day, they can jeopardize the best defence in the world.

Arjen Robben will most likely start on the right flank and will cut inside with Joshua Kimmich's excellent overlapping quality, they can be a real headache for Sergio Ramos and company. The duo of Robben and Ribery may be past their prime, but can still deliver match-winning performances.

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