Form and history back Real Madrid for success against Bayern Munich

Real Madrid made all leading sportsbooks learn never to underestimate them by reaching their fourth consecutive Champions League semi-finals. 

Carlo Ancelotti’s side faced long odds in their quarter-final tie against defending champions Manchester City but passed the test with flying colours. 

Los Merengues showcased tactical maturity and awareness of their limitations as they forced a penalty shoot-out, which made Andriy Lunin a new hero at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

Buoyed by their revenge-poised triumph against Pep Guardiola’s high-flyers, Madrid pulled off another season-defining victory, overcoming Barcelona 3-2 to come within striking distance of another La Liga title.

Having already lifted the Supercopa de Espana title in January and on the verge of dethroning Barcelona in the domestic championship, Los Blancos are in contention for a treble. 

Familiar foes, Bayern Munich, are the first obstacle on their way to glory.

Synonymous with ‘Big Ears,’ Madrid have lifted the Champions League crown 14 times, most recently in 2022, making Ancelotti the most frequent winner among coaches. 

Vinicius Junior’s deadlock-breaker against Liverpool two years ago extended the Spaniards’ dominant record in the competition and helped Ancelotti win his fourth title as a manager. 

Once in Bayern’s dugout, the Italian now faces his former employers, looking to write his name down in the Champions League history books again. 

Since Borussia Dortmund stunned Madrid in the 2012/13 semi-finals, Los Blancos have gone on a tear against German opposition, winning all eight two-legged ties against Bundesliga clubs.

The Bavarians have been on the receiving end of Madrid’s continental supremacy three times since 2014, which is perhaps why Football Today’s predictions view the runaway La Liga leaders as favourites. 

All pieces have fallen into place for Madrid this season despite losing long-serving stalwart Karim Benzema last summer.

Little did anyone know they’d require no services from an out-and-out striker when they signed leading Ballon d’Or contender Jude Bellingham nearly a year ago.

Bellingham has exceeded expectations in the Iberian peninsula and will be at the thick of Madrid’s bid to maintain their brutal run against Bayern in the Champions League.