Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich predictions: Underdogs Real can strike first blow
Gareth Freeman
Real Madrid are second in the LaLiga standings
Bayern Munich are top of the Bundesliga with a nine-point cushion
Recommended bet: Real Madrid to win
Real Madrid versus Bayern Munich is the most-played match in UEFA Champions League and European Cup history as these two European giants meet for the 29th time in the first leg of their quarter-final tie on Tuesday.
Real have the edge in the head-to-head record with 13 wins to Bayern’s 11, but the Spanish side head into Tuesday’s games as the underdogs.
Bayern have been close to perfect in Europe this season as they won seven of their eight league phase games, only losing to Arsenal. Real had to come through a play-off to reach the last 16, but they showed their class in the previous round as they dumped out Premier League big guns Manchester City, winning both legs.
The latest Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa will be without first choice keeper Thibaut Courtois due to a thigh injury and Rodrygo has also been ruled out. Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos are rated as doubts for the hosts.
Harry Kane is a concern for Bayern after he missed England’s games during the international break and the win over Freiburg at the weekend. Kane is unlikely to miss out entirely, however, and should be named on the bench if he is not fit enough to start.
Sven Ulreich, Cassiano Kiala, David Santos and Wisdom Mike are all missing for the visitors.
The latest Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich odds are available on LiveScore Bet
The stats
Real Madrid are unbeaten in their last four Champions League meetings with Bayern (W2, D2).
Los Blancos have won 10 of their last 11 home games, while Bayern are on a 13-game unbeaten run, with 11 wins to their name.
Over 3.5 goals have been scored in seven of Bayern’s last eight games.
The latest Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Bayern Munich are in sensational form ahead of their trip to Madrid and are the clear favourites to win in the Spanish capital, but with home advantage Real should not be overlooked here.
Los Blancos boss Arbeloa guided his side to a win over Manchester City in the previous round, with Real winning both legs, and at home they have been exceptional all season.
Real have won 18 of their 21 games at the Santiago Bernabeu across all competitions, losing the other three, and they will know the importance of making the most of their home advantage in the first leg ahead of a trip to Munich for the return fixture.
Bayern are of course exceptional travellers but they have shown the occasional sign of vulnerability on the road. The Bavarian giants have been held to draws at Bayer Leverkusen and Hamburg in the Bundesliga since the winter break, while their one European defeat of the season came in an away game as they went down 3-1 at Arsenal in the league phase.
Real may be without keeper Courtois, but they are at full strength in attack as Kylian Mbappe, the top scorer in the Champions League this season with 13 goals, is set to start alongside Vinicius Junior. Even if Kane is fit to start for Bayern, Real have the tools to outgun the Bundesliga outfit in the first meeting.
Real Madrid edged out Bayern across two legs when these sides last met in the Champions League in the 2023/24 season. They won the home leg in that double-header and can repeat the trick on Tuesday.
Back Real Madrid to win at 15/8 with LiveScore Bet
The latest Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich odds are available on LiveScore Bet
