Real Madrid - Bayern München (PREVIEW)

It is difficult to imagine a more exciting semi final clash than the match between the spanish giants that won the trophy 9 times and the current holders Bayern München, who won it 5 times. Bayern are very close to becoming the first team to retain the champions league trophy, Real Madrid, however, will be hoping they bring the desired "La Decima" home, after not winning the champions league since the 2001-02 season. 
The main issue for Real Madrid is the fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has a muscle injury and it is still unsure whether he will be able to feature in the first leg of the semis. Even without Ronaldo, Real have shown they are still able to beat any team, as they demonstrated in the Copa del Rey Final last Wednesday when they beat Barcelona 2:1 after a fantastic solo goal by Gareth Bale. 
Bayern München will welcome Bastian Schweinsteiger and Javi Martinez back from suspension, Schweinsteiger especially will be a big boost for the team as he is in great form. Thiago and Shaqiri are both doubtful, but this is not a big problem for a squad as deep as Bayern's. Rafinha will be dropped to the bench to accommodate Lahm as right-back - his task will be to mark C.Ronaldo and it will be very interesting to see who will come out on top. 
Both teams are very strong going forward, so it is difficult to imagine a low scoring match between these two teams. It will be a classic and the winner of this semi final will be favorite to lift the trophy.


Expected Lineups:


Casillas; Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo(Coentrao); Alonso, Modric, Di Maria; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo(Isco)

Neuer; Lahm, Dante, Boateng, Alaba; Kroos; Robben, Schweinsteiger, Goetze, Ribery; Mandžukić(Muller)

Our Prediction:
We expect an exciting battle with many goals. Result: Draw 2:2.

Phillip Lahm, Cristiano Ronaldo & Arjen Robben in action. (photo: zimbio.com)