Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand declares he was world's best centre back for four years and compared himself to rival stoppers

Rio Ferdinand believes he was the world's best centre back for four years during his time at Manchester United. 

The former England captain was asked by BT Sport presenter Jake Humphrey if he ever thought he was the best in the world. 

And Ferdinand declared he thought he was as good as the likes of John Terry and Sol Campbell during his heyday.

David Beckham praises 'special' PFA Player of the Year N'Golo Kante while lauding 'arrogant' Dele Alli after Spurs ace scoops young player award

David Beckham revealed his admiration for 'special' duo N'Golo Kante and Dele Alli after they were respectively named the Professional Footballers' Association player and young player of the year.

Both midfielders have excelled to the same extent they did during the 2015-16 season, in which Alli was also named the young player of the year and Kante was hugely influential in Leicester unexpectedly winning the Premier League title.

France's Kante has since joined Chelsea, who are favourites to finish first this season but remain under pressure from Tottenham, where Alli is perhaps the most important player, and Beckham spoke of how impressed he is by both.

The former England captain, 41, received the PFA's merit award for his achievements for club and country, and discussing the impression Kante had made on him he said: 'He's a special talent.

'What I like about him - actually what I love about him - (is) he plays the game in such a humble way.

'He works hard, he can pass the ball, he can tackle, he can score goals.

Bayern 2-2 Mainz: Leaders held to give Leipzig hope in title chase

RB Leipzig can cut Bayern Munich's lead at the top of the Bundesliga to six points after they were held to a 2-2 home draw by Mainz.


Bayern Munich capped a bad week by opening the door further for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga title race as the champions were held to a 2-2 home draw by Mainz.

Carlo Ancelotti's men suffered an exit from the Champions League at the quarter-final stage in midweek, losing 6-3 on aggregate to Real Madrid in controversial circumstances, Arturo Vidal harshly sent off in the second leg while two of Cristiano Ronaldo's goals appeared offside.

Though their European campaign ended in disappointment, Bayern have appeared on course for another procession to the Bundesliga title for some time, but Leipzig can now cut the gap at the top to six points by beating Schalke on Sunday, with the top two still to play each other in the penultimate game of the season.

The hosts appeared to have a Champions League hangover when Mainz took the lead in the third minute through Bojan Krkic, his first goal since joining on loan from Stoke City.


Franck Ribery set up Arjen Robben to restore parity, but Bayern shot themselves in the foot before the break, Daniel Brosinski converting from the penalty spot for Mainz following Joshua Kimmich's foul on Yoshinori Muto.

Thiago Alcantara denied Mainz a win that would have boosted their survival hopes, but Bayern could not complete the comeback and have the added worry of a David Alaba injury to deal with ahead of Wednesday's DFB-Pokal semi-final with Borussia Dortmund.Bayern shockingly fell behind as they were punished for sloppy defending, a miserable week for Vidal continuing as he conceded possession to Bojan, who evaded the challenge of Thiago before firing low underneath Sven Ulreich.

Muto then saw a cross deflected onto the top of the net as Mainz pressed to double their advantage, and a second would have arrived had Ulreich not produced a fine one-on-one save to deny Levin Oztunali after a quick counter.


And Mainz's inability to take that chance was punished as Ribery and Robben combined in trademark fashion, the Frenchman laying off for the Netherlands winger to fire across the face of goal and in.





But Bayern were dealt a blow immediately after the leveller as Alaba was withdrawn through injury, Kimmich replacing him at the back.

Robert Lewandowski had an opportunity to complete the turnaround, but was unable to get a touch on a centre from Thomas Muller.

Muller then had a chance to put Bayern ahead himself, only to flash a fierce drive past the post after a rapid break from Robben, before Bojan blasted high and wide from just inside the area.

However, Mainz retook the lead five minutes before half-time as Brosinski converted from 12 yards.

Muto was felled by Kimmich and Brosinski snuck his effort underneath Ulreich's right hand and into the bottom corner.





Ulreich could have done better in his efforts to save the spot-kick and he was at fault again as Alexander Hack saw a goal-bound effort blocked after the Bayern goalkeeper had failed to claim a ball into the box.

Ribery was replaced by Kingsley Coman at half-time and Bayern began the second half looking reinvigorated.

Thiago forced a fantastic save from Jannik Huth with a fierce volley before Robben curled narrowly over.

Coman stung the palms of Huth with a long-range drive, but Mainz continued to frustrate Bayern until the 73rd minute when Thiago levelled matters, firing a low effort in off the left-hand post.





Referee Frank Willenborg waved away penalty claims after a risky challenge on Lewandowski by Hack, but Mainz dealt with the late pressure from Bayern with little difficulty to give Leipzig a little more reason for hope in their title pursuit.

PSG defender agrees to join Man United

PSG & Man United

Big news has been revealed by L’Equipe on Wednesday claiming that Man United are on the verge of their first signing of the summer.

In the past few months, Man United have been linked with a host of defenders as it’s been clear that Jose Mourinho intends to strengthen his backline before the start of next season.

Matteo Darmian, Phil Jones, and Chris Smalling all seem to be in danger of losing their spots in the squad next term.

So who are United looking at?

L’Equipe’s update is that PSG right-back Serge Aurier is looking to join the gang at Old Trafford.

Not only is the Special One keen on Aurier, but the 24-year-old has reportedly told Mourinho that he’s ready to join the Red Devils.

Under contract in Paris until 2019, Aurier could cost Man United 20 million euros.

But is he really the man United should be after?

Many United fans will be surprised by the links to Aurier.

Antonio Valencia is arguably the best defender at the Theatre of Dreams, and many will wonder if Aurier could oust him from the team.

Moreover, the PSG defender comes with a long wrap sheet of dodgy behaviour.

In recent times Aurier has been sentenced to two months in prison for assaulting a police officer, he’s been investigated by FIFA for ‘throat slit’ gesture during an international match with the Ivory Coast, and he’s previously been banned from entering the UK.

Is this really the type of guy Man United should be signing?

Barca urge fans to help launch comeback

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique urged the club's fans to create a wild atmosphere in Camp Nou to help the team complete another improbable comeback in the Champions League, this time against Juventus.

The Spanish coach insisted his team will try to score five goals on Wednesday night against the visiting Italians, who have a 3-0 lead from the quarterfinal first leg in Turin.

After Barcelona overturned a 4-0 deficit against PSG in the last 16 in the biggest comeback in Champions League history, Luis Enrique believes supporters can play their part as the team tries to obtain another shock result.

"If we score the first goal, the second will be scored by Camp Nou and the third will come by itself," he said in a news conference on Tuesday.

"Our objective is to score five goals. (We have to) attack, attack, attack. And when we relax a little bit, we have to start attacking again."

A handful of fans left with Barcelona 3-1 down against PSG on March 8, missing the stunning finale as Barca netted three goals in the last few minutes to knock their opponents out of the competition.

Luis Enrique said they should stay until the end this time, with the team planning to fight until the final whistle to turn the game around.

"I hope they don’t go in the 80th minute… We will try right until the end," he said.

"Those who experienced the night against PSG at Camp Nou will have another chance to enjoy an historic evening. Right until the 95th minute we have to be united."

The coach confirmed that Javier Mascherano would be back from injury for the game and said he was happy to have Sergio Busquets available after the defensive midfielder missed the first leg.

"Getting (Busquets) back is always great news," he said.

"He is one of the most tactically intelligent players there is and a key man for us. The more he can do, the better for us."

Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta said the team needed to put in its best performance of the season.

"We have to play a perfect match. We have to create the maximum number of chances and score goals. We probably need to play our best match of the season," he said.

Time for video refs - Ancelotti

Bayern Munich coach Carlo Ancelotti said Uefa must swiftly introduce video technology after the Germans lost a controversial Champions League quarter­final second leg to Real Madrid in extra time.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat­-trick to become the first man to score 100 Champions League goals as holders Madrid completed a 4­-2 win on Tuesday, going through 6­-3 on aggregate.

However, the Portuguese's second and third goals were offside, whilst visitors Bayern had Arturo Vidal sent off five minutes from the end of normal time.

"I think we deserved more," fumed Ancelotti.

"There are decisions that have penalised us a lot.

"The (red) card for Arturo wasn't a card and then the two goals from Cristiano are offside so clearly we are not happy.

"In a quarter­final you have to put a better referee, or it is the moment to introduce video refereeing, which is what Uefa are trying, because there are too many errors."

Bayern have now been eliminated in four straight seasons by Spanish sides.

But they threatened to overturn a 2­-1 first­-leg deficit as Robert Lewandowski's penalty and Sergio Ramos's own goal either side of Ronaldo's first took the game to extra time at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, Bayern's numerical disadvantage told after Vidal saw his second yellow card and Ronaldo made the most of an assistant referee's leniency to complete his hat-trick.

The 21-­year­-old Marco Asensio rounded off the scoring with a sensational solo effort.

"If the referee didn't make mistakes we don't know what would have happened," added Ancelotti, who was returning to the Bernabeu for the first time since being sacked as Real boss in 2015.

"Many times in decisions there are doubts, here there is no doubt. You didn't need a replay to see Arturo touched the ball.

 Madrid boss and Ancelotti's former assistant Zinedine Zidane had a different version of events as both Bayern's goals also came about in controversial fashion.

Casemiro was harshly penalised when Arjen Robben tumbled inside the Madrid box, whilst Lewandowski was also offside in the build­up to Ramos's own goal.

"The referee has a very hard job," said Zidane.

"They have told me their second goal was also offside. It goes both ways, that is football."

'DON’T BOO ME'­

Madrid were once again grateful to Ronaldo's killer touch as the four-­time World Player of the Year was pivotal in both legs against Bayern.

And the Portuguese once again rounded on his critics after a restless Bernabeu crowd got on his back for an error-­strewn first-­half display.

"The only thing I ask is that they don't boo me because I give my best in every game," Ronaldo told Spanish TV station Antena 3.

"Although I don't always score, I always work hard and try to help Real Madrid."

Victory also secured history on a collective level for Madrid as they reached the semifinals for a record seventh straight year.

"To score six goals against a team like Bayern Munich isn't easy, so we deserved to go through," added Ronaldo.

"Maybe they will not whistle him any more," said Zidane in defence of his star man.

"In the end he shows what he can do on the pitch, what very few players can do

"In the key moments he is always there. He scored three goals.

"The fans will always appreciate Cristiano for all he has done here."

We gave it our all - Vardy

Jamie Vardy said Leicester City would depart the Champions League with their heads held high after falling to Atletico Madrid in the quarter­finals following a 1­-1 second­-leg draw on Tuesday.

Vardy's 61st­-minute strike gave Leicester hope, but Saul Niguez's first­-half opener, allied to Antoine Griezmann's first-­leg penalty, took Atletico through with a 2­-1 aggregate win.

"We absolutely gave it our all, especially in the second half. They made a lot of blocks on the line," Vardy told BT Sport at the King Power Stadium.

"We were in the ascendancy. We made a tactical change with Leo (Ulloa) on to give an aerial threat. Unfortunately it wasn't to be. But we gave it our all and left it all out on the pitch.

"On another day, some could have gone in. But we can be proud. From the display you've seen, it was a fantastic effort."

Leicester were making their first appearance in the Champions League following last season's 5 000­-1 title triumph in the Premier League.

Shakespeare savours taste of big time

Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare said his side's remarkable run to the Champions League quarter­finals left his players determined to return to Europe's top table as soon as possible.

Appearing in the tournament for the first time Leicester cruised through the group phase and sank Europa League champions Sevilla in the last 16 before falling to Atletico Madrid in the quarter­finals.

With Leicester 12th in the Premier League it may be some time before they rub shoulders with Europe's elite again, but Shakespeare said that would now be the objective.

"I hope the benefit is they want some more of it," he told reporters at the King Power Stadium after Tuesday's 1-­1 draw with Atletico resulted in a 2-­1 aggregate defeat.

"They're very disappointed, but they can be proud of what they've achieved and we can be proud of how we've conducted ourselves. They should want more of this.

"All players want to play at the highest level and the Champions League is the highest level. We have to get back to winning ways in the Premier League now."

Shakespeare, 53, has had a stunning impact since succeeding the sacked Claudio Ranieri, steering Leicester clear of the relegation zone and masterminding a 2­-0 second­-leg win over Sevilla.

He is only under contract until the end of the season and said he was looking forward to sitting down with the club's Thai owners, the King Power travel retail group, to discuss his future.

"It's not in my hands. It's in the club's hands," he said.

"We'll sit down at the end of the season. I'm more than happy to sit down before that if it arises. The contract says until the end of the season.

"I've enjoyed it. I've enjoyed the Champions League. You're pitting your wits against one of the best managers and one of the best sides in the world. It's been a really, really good experience." ­

'LIVING IN FEAR'­

Atletico went 2­-0 up on aggregate when Saul Niguez headed in Filipe Luis's cross mid­way through the first half, but a half-­time switch by Shakespeare threatened to provide a route back into the tie for Leicester.

With Marc Albrighton and half­time substitute Ben Chilwell deployed as wing­backs, Leicester pinned Atletico back and drew level on the night when Jamie Vardy slammed in from close range.

Atletico had to weather heavy pressure to see the game out and victorious coach Diego Simeone was generous in his praise of his side's opponents.

Shakespeare's tactical change was "fantastic", he said, and it had been "almost a pleasure to compete" against Leicester.

"They never gave up. They never let their heads drop," he said.

"We were living in fear all night. They pushed us all the way."

Atletico have reached the semi­finals of the Champions League for the third time in four years, having fallen to city rivals Real Madrid in the 2014 and 2016 finals.

But Simeone said it was inaccurate to talk about his side as one of the great teams of Europe.

"When you talk about the greats of Europe, you have to put a financial slant on things," he said.

"The greats are Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barca. But from a purely footballing point of view, we can compete. We are competitive.

"Before you try to make headlines, we're not one of the greats only in that sense. But we are a team that competes."

Atletico were joined in the last four by Real, who beat Bayern Munich 4­-2 for a 6-­3 aggregate victory.

Atletico came within minutes of beating Real in the 2014 final, only to lose 4­1 after extra time, and went down on penalties in the 2016 decider.

They also lost the 1974 final against Bayern after a replay.

Asked what it will take for Atletico to finally win the tournament, Simeone replied: "We're just going to keep trying and trying and trying and trying."

Ronaldo treble sends Real into semis

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a controversial hat­-trick to become the first man to reach 100 Champions League goals as Real Madrid overcame 10­-man Bayern Munich 4-­2 after extra time in Tuesday's thrilling quarter­final second leg.

The holders surged through 6­-3 on aggregate at an exhilarated Santiago Bernabeu to take their place in Friday's semi­final draw for a record seventh consecutive year.

But Real were pushed all the way by Bayern, who battled back from a 2-­1 first­-leg deficit to send the tie into extra time thanks to Robert Lewandowski's penalty and an own goal from Sergio Ramos.

However, after Arturo Vidal was sent off, Ronaldo hit the century mark in Europe's top club competition on 104 minutes and completed his hat-­trick five minutes later.

Bayern were left incensed, though, as Ronaldo's second and third goals were clearly offside.

"To score six goals against a team like Bayern Munich isn't easy so we deserved to go through," the Portuguese striker told Spanish TV station Antena 3.

"Real Madrid is Real Madrid, we are used to suffering and we are happy to be in the semis once again."

Marco Asensio gave a night of high-­class action the finale it deserved with a sensational solo goal to rub salt in Bayern wounds.

"The (red) card for Arturo wasn't a card and then the two goals from Cristiano are offside so clearly we are not happy," said Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"In a quarter­final you have to put a better referee, or it is the moment to introduce video refereeing, which is what Uefa are trying because there are too many errors."

The German champions had been beaten on their previous four trips to Spain without even scoring a goal.

However, knowing they needed at least two to progress, Ancelotti's men started on the front foot and were left to rue a huge opportunity just eight minutes in.

Marcelo made a miraculous block to deny Thiago Alcantara before former Real winger Arjen Robben scuffed into the side­-netting on his trusted left foot.

Much like the first leg, Madrid weathered the early storm and had plenty of chances to go in front before half time.

Jerome Boateng bailed out a rare mistake from goalkeeper Manuel Neuer as he cleared off the line from Ramos after Neuer fumbled a simple cross.

The half­time whistle brought some respite to proceedings on the field, although the Bayern fans were involved in a minor clash with police at the break.

QUICK-FIRE

The disturbances quickly died down and Bayern soon gave the travelling 4 000 from Germany something to cheer when play resumed.

Another goal-­line clearance by Marcelo from Robben's dinked effort temporarily saved Madrid.

But the hosts didn't escape moments later when referee Viktor Kassai pointed to the spot as Robben went down under a challenge from Casemiro.

Lewandowski stayed cool under the pressure and converted from the spot for his 39th goal of the season.

Ronaldo looked to have eased Madrid's nerves when he steered Casemiro's cross into the far corner 14 minutes from time.

However, Real's celebrations were very short-­lived as just a minute later the ball ricocheted around their box and Ramos turned into his own net.

The balance of a topsy-­turvy tie turned Madrid's way again with five minutes remaining as just as in the first leg, Bayern were reduced to 10 men when Vidal saw a second yellow card for chopping down Asensio.

The extra man proved decisive as Madrid settled the tie with a three­-goal burst either side of half time in extra time.

Ronaldo took advantage at not being flagged for offside as he controlled and fired low past Neuer to become the first man to reach a Champions League century.

Four minutes into the second period of extra time he had Marcelo to thank for a brilliant run and unselfish pass that allowed the Portuguese the simplest of finishes to complete his hat­-trick despite again being in an offside position.

And Asensio sealed victory in sensational style with a stunning solo run and low right-footed finish as many Bayern players sank to their knees knowing Champions League glory had passed them by for another year.

Evans to retire at end of season

Former All Black fly-half Nick Evans has announced that he will retire from rugby at the end of the season, ending nine years at Harlequins.

Joining Quins in 2008, Evans has been nothing short of monumental for the Premiership outfit. In his 206 senior appearances, he has played 14, 693 minutes of rugby, and amassed a club record 2,217 points via 30 tries, 309 conversions, 476 penalties and seven drop goals.

Regarded as one of the best playmakers in the game he has been one of the masterminds of the club’s success, he also won 16 Test caps.

“I thought leaving New Zealand was hard, but leaving the game I’ve played since I was eight years old, and professionally for 17 years, is tough. But when you know, you know,” he said.

“This game has taught me everything, showed me things I could never imagine and introduced me to people that are not teammates but family.

“I need to thank the clubs I have represented, the coaches- who have helped shape the player I am today- and the fans, both in New Zealand where it all started, and here in the UK, for their support and cheers.

“I will never be able to express how much representing the All Blacks, and living my childhood dream, meant to me.

“I want to thank my parents and brother who are my biggest fans, and thank them for all the support, trips to training and games, and their ‘constructive criticism’ as only family can give.

“But most importantly my wife Sally and kids Olivia, Harry and Billy, thank you for being there through good and bad and making it easy to play the game I love; your support has been amazing.

“I couldn’t think of a better shirt and place to finish my career at than Harlequins, I want to thank the club and fans for making myself and my family feel unbelievably welcome; it has made our time so special.

“Importantly I have to also thank the players for keeping me going over my time here. I am only a little cog in the Harlequins machine and I couldn’t have done anything without my mates beside me on the field.”

Harlequins director of rugby John Kingston added: “The word ‘legendary’ is really over used within the modern sporting world, but in the case of Nick Evans and his rugby playing career at Harlequins, it is the perfect description.

“From the moment he arrived in the summer of 2008, he has been at the forefront of taking the club to heights never experienced before, including being crowned Aviva Premiership Champions in 2012.

“Not only has his on-field play been outstanding, but he has set the ultimate standards of professionalism in everything asked of him during his time here.

“It is a huge statement to make but I genuinely question if any player in the history of the club has had such an impact on team performances.

“I have no doubt he will make his decision on ‘what next?’ in his usual diligent manner but whatever it is, I wish him, Sally and his children all the very best while thanking him immensely for his incredible contribution to Harlequins.”

Golf round-up: Sergio Garcia to snub Wentworth, Ian Woosnam pondering Masters future

EUROPEAN Tour chiefs would dearly love for Wentworth to stage a rematch of the Masters play-off between Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose but are resigned to missing out on the Spaniard for the BMW PGA Championship.

While Rose will be in the field, Garcia is understood to be unwilling to accommodate the event in his schedule next month.

Garcia’s first event as a Major champion will be the Players’ Championship at Sawgrass followed by the Byron Nelson tournament in Texas.

Ian Woosnam is thinking of extending his Masters career by another year.

Woosnam, who will be 60 by the time Augusta next comes around, was talked out of hanging his clubs up last year by his wife and was encouraged by an improvement of nine shots at this year’s tournament.

“I haven’t ruled it out. Maybe I’ll just come back and see the azaleas for next year,” said Woosnam.

“I quite enjoyed it. I just can’t really putt around Augusta. That is the problem. If I putted only half-decent, I’d make the cut every single time.”Charley Hull will be hitting the fairways at Kingsbarns today in early preparation for the Ricoh Women’s British Open which will be staged at the Scottish links in August.

Barcelona officials forced to apologise to Real Madrid ahead of El Clasico: This is why

BARCELONA officials have been forced to apologise to Real Madrid after their under-12s scored a goal while their opponents were still celebrating.

Ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico between the two Spanish giants, a mini-Clasico took place that ended in controversy.

While Real Madrid players were celebrating a goal by the corner flag, one of Barca’s youngsters decided to take kick-off quickly and ran the ball down the other end of the pitch into the empty net.

The referee ruled the goal out and the player in question appeared to accept he’d shown a lack of sportsmanship.

And Barca officials then apologised to their Madrid counterparts for the incident.

Los Blancos posted a quote on social media after the match which read: “The rivalry is demonstrated on the pitch. Afterwards, we are friends.

“Before the shirt, we are people.

“Today, it was us, another time, it will be them. But, my greatest respect to a great trainer and an even better person.”

But there will be no love lost between the two senior sides when they meet at the Bernabeu this weekend.

Madrid currently lead Barca by three points at the top of La Liga and have a game in hand.

Manchester United legend says there is room for both Ibrahimovic and Rashford

Manchester United legend Gary Neville says there is room on the Old Trafford pitch for both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcus Rashford.

A starring role in Saturday night’s 2-0 win over league leaders Chelsea – which included the opening goal – has some Red Devils fans crying out for the 19-year-old to be given more opportunities up front.

The form of the mercurial Ibrahimovic has pushed Rashford onto the bench or out wide for most of the season, with the Swede registering 17 goals so far in the English top-flight.

Ex-defender Neville believes that both forwards add different dynamics to Jose Mourinho squad, but questioned why the manager is not looking to develop a number of options as well as Ibrahimovic, who is no doubt nearing the end of his career.

“Would Zlatan have done to Chelsea what Rashford did? Absolutely no chance,” he said in an interview with Sky Sports.

“But would Rashford have done in that EFL Cup final what Zalatan did? Probably no chance, it would be very difficult.

“There’s still a place for Zlatan. I used to like being part of a squad that had four strikers. Actually you had a Zlatan, you might have had a Chicharito [Javier Hernandez] to come on and you had a Rashford.

“Why can’t you have three or four strikers and pick from a pool? It’s not like Zlatan plays or nothing. On Sunday he looked delighted when the team scored and he worked when he came on. I don’t see why it has to be an either or, they can play together potentially.

“I’d like to see Zlatan stay in a different role to what he’s had this season where it’s him or nothing.

“I’d like to see him phased over another season whereby [Anthony] Martial, Rashford and maybe someone else comes in and you see a changing of the guard, but you still have the experience that is required there.”

United will now turn their attention to the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie against Anderlecht on Friday morning.

Bayern face familiar fate in Madrid

Bayern Munich face a familiar problem as they travel to old European foes Real Madrid on Tuesday needing to make history to keep faint hopes of Champions League glory alive.

Cristiano Ronaldo's second­-half double in Munich last week made him the first man to reach a century of European goals, but more importantly handed Madrid a vital 2-­1 first leg lead.

The 11­time European champions have never failed to progress after winning the first leg away from home in the Champions League.

"It won't be easy, we're the underdogs, but we'll have a chance to win in Madrid," insisted Bayern captain Philipp Lahm after Saturday's 0-­0 draw at Bayer Leverkusen.

Recent history, though, would say otherwise.

Should Bayern fail to pull off a fight-back, it will be the fourth successive season they have been eliminated by Spanish opposition.

When Pep Guardiola was hired as Bayern boss in 2013, he was expected by the Bavarians' demanding hierarchy to build on Jupp Heynckes's treble and create a Bayern dynasty of the like that saw them win three consecutive European Cups between 1974-­1976.

Heynckes's Bayern thrashed a worn down Barcelona left behind by Guardiola a year earlier 7­-0 on aggregate on their way to winning the Champions League.

However, the Germans have only known defeat in four visits to Spain since without even scoring a goal.

Guardiola was humiliated on his three returns to Spain as Bayern boss in three semifinal, first legs on the way to elimination against Real, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Carlo Ancelotti was named as Guardiola's replacement specifically for his European nous having won the Champions League a record three times as a coach.

Yet, the Italian hasn't been able to find a solution for Bayern's Spanish travel sickness as they also lost 1-­0 to Atletico on their most recent visit back in September.

Bayern's struggles tell a broader tale, though, as Spanish sides have won their last 11 European ties against German opponents in the past three seasons.

With Ancelotti's men needing to score at least twice to have any chance of progressing, it is just as well top scorer Robert Lewandowski looks set to shake off a shoulder injury to start at the Bernabeu.

The Pole, who has scored 38 goals in 40 games this season, missed the first leg and the stalemate against 10­-man Leverkusen in which Bayern missed a host of chances.

"The chances we missed were fatal," fumed Thomas Mueller, whilst former Bayern star Lothar Matthaeus said Lewandowski is simply "irreplaceable."

Lewandowski has haunted Madrid in the past, scoring four times in a famous semifinal, first leg rout for Borussia Dortmund on their way to the Champions League final in 2013.

And if Bayern need more encouragement, Ancelotti has shown he can dramatically turn around historic streaks in the past.

Before the 2013/14 season Madrid had won just once in 25 visits to Germany.

However, after smashing Schalke 6­-0 in Gelsenkirchen, they went on to eliminate both Dortmund and Bayern on their way to winning the competition.

A similar turnaround in Bayern's fortunes would be sweet revenge for Ancelotti on his first return to the Santiago Bernabeu since being sacked by trigger happy Real president Florentino Perez in 2015.