CL Preview: Real Madrid-Bayern Munich
These two both feel they have scores to settle heading into this second round second-leg clash at the Bernabeu.
These two both feel they have scores to settle heading into this second round second-leg clash at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid, who salvaged a 1-1 first-leg draw thanks to Oliver Kahn's fumbling of Roberto Carlos' free-kick, still feel aggrieved at the two-match ban handed to the Brazilian for lashing out at Martin Demichelis, and have accused a member of Bayern Munich of helping to get the player suspended.
Bayern deny the accusation, but the bad feeling goes on, and one senses Real will have the bit between their teeth when they take to the Bernabeu pitch.
Their main focus, many believe, will be on not conceding a goal. If they achieve this they will go through. Coach Carlos Queiroz is set to place Mejía in Carlos' left-back position, and the impressive youngster will be told to concentrate on the defensive aspect of his game. There are unlikely to be too many imitations of the bald-headed Brazilian bombing down the wing.
Ronaldo's injury is another blow, but at least it will allow Raul to play in his favoured position. The club captain has had a poor season by his very high standards but who would bet against him proving the hero once again, just when his club need him most?
Bayern, who were by far the better side in the 1-1 first-leg draw, warmed up for this clash with a highly impressive 3-1 win at Bayer Leverkusen. This may not be the Bayern of previous years, but they can still punch their weight with the big boys.
They are likely to play a counterattacking game at first, looking to hit the Merengues on the break with the pace of Roy Makaay, but if they find themselves losing or at 0-0 around the hour mark, more caution may have to be thrown to the wind.
LATEST TEAM NEWS
Real Madrid: Mejía is likely to come in for Roberto Carlos in defence. Queiroz should keep Raul Bravo in the centre to counter the pace of Makaay. Solari will take Raul's place behind the striker, with Raul playing up top.
Bayern Munich: Willy Sangol has a broken arm, but could start nonetheless. Hasan Salihamidzic
stands by. Bixente Lizarazu has recovered from injury.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Raul (Real Madrid): Who would bet against Raul coming up with the goods playing in his favoured position?
Oliver Khan (Bayern Munich): All eyes will be on the German international stopper after his awful hash in the first-leg.
"The last two weeks have shown how difficult a keeper's life can be," he said. "But I am not going to let things get to me."
"I am in top form, I know what I am capable of."
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Real Madrid: Casillas, Michel Salgado, Raúl Bravo, Iván Helguera, Mejía, Guti, Beckham, Figo, Zidane, Solari, Raúl.
Bayern Munich: Kahn, Sagnol or Salihamidzic, Kuffour, Kovac, Lizarazu, Demichelis, Hargreaves, Ballack, Ze Roberto, Pizarro, Makaay.