European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Real Madrid lock horns in Germany for the first-leg of their mouthwatering Champions League semi-final.
The clubs, who clash for the 25th time, have between them won four of the last five editions of Europe’s top prize, the last two of which have been won by Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid who are gunning for a third triumph in a row.
Bayern Munich have handed a start to on-loan Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez, with the likes of Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski all in the first-11.
Defender David Alaba was a doubt in the build-up to the match due to a thigh strain, and it's now been confirmed that he is out the squad altogether, with Rafinha taking his place. Midfielder Corentin Tolisso's fitness was also up in the air, but he makes the bench.
Real Madrid, who edged past Juventus in the previous round, have no new injury concerns as skipper Sergio Ramos returns from suspension to a team that features Cristiano Ronaldo, of course, however both Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema have to settle for a place on the bench.
Hosts Bayern, who have already sewn up the Bundesliga, head into the game as the 21/10 favourites to win on the night, with Real priced at 5/2, whereas a draw can be backed at 29/10.
The footballing giants met in the last-four in 2011/12 (Bayern Munich progressed) and 2013/14 (Real Madrid progressed), while the Spanish side have won each of the last five clashes, including both games in last year’s quarter-final duel.
It sounds oh so obvious but Ronaldo is the man to back in the first goalscorer market at 4/1. The Portuguese forward has bagged 17 goals in his last 11 Champions League games, and has previously fired nine past Bayern.
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