State of play
Bayern came into the first game against Real in good form after four straight wins in all competitions. “We don’t need to hide. We’re in good shape, can approach the match with confidence,” said Joshua Kimmich at Monday’s press conference. Coach Thomas Tuchel also spoke of a “good mix of excitement and tension. It’s an absolutely worthy semi-final in the Champions League.”
The Bayern boss believes that focus for now needs to be fully on the 90 minutes at the Allianz Arena. “We want to play the game in isolation, without any background thoughts. That’s important to ensure we have the freedom to play a top game. We’ll try our all to win the game. Then we’ll know how things stand for the second leg,” explained the 50-year-old. “The job against Real is about getting enough people in attack to hurt them, but also not to expose ourselves,” Tuchel added. “We need a good balance of discipline and freedom. Obviously, we also need some luck in the game, momentum.”
Bayern will also look to their fans for great encouragement again after they created an electric atmosphere in the quarter-final second leg against Arsenal. “We need maximum support once again to get through the periods where we’ll have to suffer. Together with the fans we can create an atmosphere that will give us an advantage,” claimed Tuchel.
Leon Goretzka is ready to take on Real Madrid:
