CL Preview: Bayern Munich - Real Madrid
Bayern have been knocked out of the German cup and have admitted defeat in their quest for the Bundesliga title.
Bayern have been knocked out of the German cup and have admitted defeat in their quest for the Bundesliga title.
However, they have a chance to put a forgettable season behind them by accomplishing great things in the Champions League.
But before they can think of winning this lucrative prize, they must first fend off the challenge of Real Madrid in another installment of this classic rivalry.
Team News:
Bayern:
Manager Ottmar Hitzfeld believes his side has an excellent chance of extending their 100% home record against Real Madrid at the Olympic Stadium on Tuesday.
Hitzfeld admitted he has been disappointed with his team's form over recent weeks, but he is confident his players can forget about the domestic problems and ensure their quality shines through against Madrid.
"The team needs to put the last few weeks behind them, when they haven't played well, and tomorrow is another chance for them," he said.
His preparations for the Bayern's match of the season have been boosted by the return of goalkeeper Oliver Kahn's to training.
"Kahn trained on Sunday and reacted well and will be able to play," Hitzfeld confirmed.
Kahn missed out on Saturday's 1-0 win over Hamburg due to a back problem, but will return to face Real Madrid's potent offence on Tuesday.
Midfielder Michael Ballack is listed as doubtful for this match because he is ill, but Hitzfeld is still optimistic that he can return to the starting eleven in time for kick-off on Tuesday.
"It depends on his physical condition and how he trains and feels," said Hitzfled.
Real Madrid:
Manager Carlos Queiroz believes that his side's first leg clash with Bayern Munich in Germany will be extremely decisive with regards to which side reaches the Champions League quarterfinals.
This Tuesday's match is expected to be one of the tightest of this round.
But Madrid are in spectacular form with just one defeat in 23 games and Queiroz insists Madrid will play their normal attacking game despite playing on the road.
Real Madrid will function without a true defensive midfielder in this match as Guti has been thrust into an attacking position and David Beckham is expected to drop back into midfield.
Probable Starting Lineups:
Bayern Munich:
Kahn, Sagnol, Kuffour, Demichelis, Lizarazu, Salihamidzic, Hargreaves, Ballack, Ze Roberto, Pizarro and Makaay.
Real Madrid:
Iker Casillas, Míchel Salgado, Iván Helguera, Raúl Bravo, Roberto Carlos, Guti, Beckham, Figo, Raúl, Zidane, and Ronaldo.