Who Will Win: Bayern v Real Madrid

German giants Bayern Munich play host to Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid in the first Uefa Champions League semifinal at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.

Bayern are aiming to play in the final which will be played in Munich, while Real are gunning for their first European crown since 2002.

Domestic form

Bayern appear beaten in the German Bundesliga title race, after a poor week which has seen them slip eight points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund. Second-placed Bayern, who are in the DFB Pokal final, lost to Dortmund in midweek before drawing 0-0 with Mainz. Their attention will certainly be on Europe now.

Real and Barcelona continue to have an almighty battle for the Spanish title, with Jose Mourinho’s side still four points clear after defeating struggling Sporting Gijon 3-1 on the weekend. They have been in fine form, but a few recent draws has opened the door to Barcelona in the title race, ensuring they haven’t had as much rest as hoped in an advance of this clash.

Team news

Bayern rested key trio Philipp Lahm, Franck Ribery and Mario Gomez for the weekend’s goalless draw with Mainz with this game in mind so they’ll all be fresh. Bastian Schweinsteiger is available after suspension but Toni Kroos may hold his spot.

Mourinho rested both Karim Benzema and Angel Di Maria for the weekend’s win over Gijon and they are likely to be reinstated for this clash. Ricardo Carvalho and Lassana Diarra are unavailable due to injuries, while Xabi Alonso, who was suspended domestically on the weekend, is back.

ECL facts

• Bayern, who have never lost to Real Madrid at home, have won six straight home games in the Uefa Champions League.
• Real have claimed just one victory in Germany in 22 attempts in recent years. This is one of their best chances to fix that record, as they are unbeaten in this edition.

Managers

Bayern boss Jupp Heynckes: “Having the final here in Munich is an important extra motivation for us. My players are confident and very motivated. Everybody is focused, the guys want to fulfil their dream and play a home final here in Munich. The chance to play the final at your home ground is once in a lifetime.”

Real manager Jose Mourinho: “More important than my opinion is that of those who are more important and more credible than me. Uli Hoeness, Franz Beckenbauer, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Oliver Kahn and Ottmar Hitzfeld say that Madrid are not a great side, that Bayern are stronger, and that we have a complex with the ‘dark beast’. So, we will be the underdogs in this tie.”

The verdict

Sports Pundit predicts; Bayern Munich 1-2 Real Madrid