Bayern Munich was the last non-Spanish side to win the Champions League five years ago and would love to win their sixth Champions League crown this season. They have already won the Bundesliga, are massive favorites in the DFB Pokal, and getting past Real Madrid in the semifinals would make them favorites in the Champions League Final.
The club would also love to get revenge on Real Madrid for knocking them out of the tournament in the quarterfinals last season. Bayern gave Real their toughest test, forcing them to play an extra frame in order to advance.
Beating Real Madrid in the Champions League is easier said than done. Los Blancos have won three of the last four titles and have more trophies in this tournament than any other club. Bayern knows a home win would greatly help their chances to advance.
Don't miss the Champions League action from Allianz Arena at 2:45 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 25, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FS1.
Champions League Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Real Madrid +250
Bayern Munich +101
Draw +275
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
These two clubs have taken eerily similar paths to get to this point. However, Real Madrid has been tested more than Bayern, besting two of the pre-tournament favorites.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich both finished runners-up in their groups. Real was punished for this and was drawn against Paris Saint-Germain, while Bayern saw fortune smile on them with a tilt against Besiktas. Both teams cruised with relatively easy victories in both legs.
The quarterfinals were a different story. Again, Real Madrid drew the tougher opponent by having to face Juventus, while Bayern Munich was drawn against Sevilla. Both sides looked like they would advance after road victories in the first leg, but Bayern wasn’t decisive against Sevilla at home and Real nearly was pushed to extra time by Juventus.
Injuries to Watch
Coming into this match, Real Madrid is extremely healthy. Sergio Ramos is back after serving a yellow card suspension in the second leg against Juventus, and there is only one name listed on the club’s injury report. Defender Nacho Fernandez has been out for the entire month of April and will not be able to play in this match.
Bayern Munich was dealt a serious blow earlier in the week. Midfielder Arturo Vidal has been one of the team’s leaders since joining from Juventus three years ago, but he re-injured his knee in training and will be sidelined for the rest of the year. Vidal is often listed as one of the top midfielders in the world and his physical play usually gives opponents fits.
Additionally, Munich will not have Kingsley Coman and Manuel Neuer available. Both of these are long-term injuries and their absence is expected. The club is hoping that Fabian Benko will be match fit though.
Key Player
Sven Ulreich has been fantastic in relief of Manuel Neuer this year. Neuer is considered by many to be the best goalkeeper in the world, and there were questions about how Ulreich would respond as the main man for Bayern Munich.
Ulreich has answered the challenge and then some. He has not only been a competent replacement, he might have even taken Neuer’s spot as Germany’s starting goalkeeper for the World Cup with his play. He has 11 clean sheets in the Bundesliga and has made some pivotal stops.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
At this price, I love the draw. Real Madrid has had some problems at the back, but Ramos’ return will greatly help matters. Bayern had some trouble finding openings to attack Sevilla and will have some difficulty against Real too. They will notch a goal, but Cristiano Ronaldo is too good to be held down and will level to score a draw for the visitors.
Champions League Odds: Bayern Munich 1, Real Madrid 1
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