Wednesday, 12 April 2017

Big Match Feature: Bayern v Real

It's a case of master meets apprentice as ex-Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti pits his wits against former assistant Zinédine Zidane – and both reckon there won't be much in it.
Match Background
Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are frequent opponents in the later stages of the UEFA Champions League, with 2016/17 marking their 11th such knockout tie in the European Cup.
 This first leg is the 23rd match between the two sides, making it the most played fixture in UEFA club competition.
Both teams performed impressively in reaching the quarter-finals, Bayern dismantling Arsenal FC over two legs and Madrid – bidding to become the first side to retain the trophy in the UEFA Champions League era – proving too strong for Napoli.
Previous Meetings
This is the clubs' third meeting in six seasons, each having won one of those ties. Overall, the teams have played in ten previous knockout contests – all in the European Cup – with five wins apiece.
Most recently, Madrid – then coached by current Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti – were 5-0 aggregate victors in the 2013/14 semi-finals, en route to lifting the trophy for a tenth time.
Karim Benzema (19) got the only goal of the first leg in Spain against Josep Guardiola's Bayern, before Sergio Ramos (16, 20) and Cristiano Ronaldo (34, 90) scored twice apiece in Munich to inflict what remains Bayern's heaviest European home defeat.
The line-ups at the Fußball Arena München on 29 April 2014 were:
Bayern: Neuer, Lahm, Boateng, Dante, Alaba, Kroos, Schweinsteiger, Robben, Müller (Pizarro 72), Ribéry (Götze 72), Mandžukic (Javi Martínez 46).
Madrid: Casillas, Carvajal, Ramos (Varane 75), Pepe, Coentrão, Alonso, Modric, Di María (Casemiro 84), Bale, Ronaldo, Benzema (Isco 80).
Bayern had come out on top when the sides met in the 2011/12 semi-finals, when each recorded a 2-1 home victory.
Goals from Franck Ribéry (17) and Mario Gomez (90) gave Bayern the edge in Munich, despite Mesut Özil's reply (53) for Madrid.
The teams for the first leg in Munich on 17 April 2012 were:
Bayern: Neuer, Lahm, Boateng, Badstuber, Alaba, Luiz Gustavo, Kroos, Schweinsteiger (Müller 61), Robben, Ribéry, Gomez.
Madrid: Casillas, Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Coentrão, Khedira, Alonso, Di María (Granero 79), Özil (Marcelo 69), Benzema (Higuaín 84), Ronaldo.
Back in Spain, Ronaldo scored twice early on (6pen, 14), only for Arjen Robben to respond from the penalty spot for Bayern (27). With no further goals, extra time and penalties followed, Bayern prevailing 3-1 with David Alaba, Gomez and Bastian Schweinsteiger converting for Jupp Heynckes' men; only Xabi Alonso – now with Bayern – was successful for Madrid.
Ronaldo, Kaká and Ramos all missed for José Mourinho's Madrid; Toni Kroos, now at Madrid, and Philipp Lahm were the Bayern failures.
Bayern also got the better of Madrid in the 2006/07 round of 16, winning on away goals after a 4-4 aggregate draw.
Madrid won 3-2 in Spain, Raúl González scoring twice, but went out after losing 2-1 in Munich, a match in which Bayern's Roy Makaay scored the fastest goal in UEFA Champions League history.
Current Madrid coach Zinédine Zidane notched the decisive goal against Bayern in the 2003/04 round of 16, in a 1-0 second-leg win in Madrid; the first game in Munich finished 1-1.
The clubs met in three successive UEFA Champions League campaigns between 2000 and 2002, with the winners going on to lift the trophy on each occasion. Madrid held sway in the 1999/2000 semi-finals (2-0 h, 1-2 a) and the 2001/02 quarter-finals (1-2 a, 2-0 h), Zidane playing both legs of the latter tie; Bayern were victorious in the 2000/01 semi-finals (1-0 a, 2-1 h).
Bayern were superior to Madrid in the 1999/2000 second group stage, winning 4-2 in Madrid and 4-1 in Munich.
The German side were also victorious in the teams' first two ties, in the 1975/76 semi-finals (1-1 a, 2-0 h) – when they proceeded to lift the trophy for a third year running – and at the same stage in 1986/87 (4-1 h, 0-1 a). Madrid, however, were victorious in the 1987/88 quarter-finals, 4-3 over two legs (2-3 a, 2-0 h).
 Overall there is little between the teams in their 22 previous meetings. Bayern have won 11 matches to Madrid's nine, with two draws; Bayern have scored 33 goals, Madrid 31.
The duo have tended to hold the edge in their own stadium. Bayern were unbeaten at home to Madrid before that 2014 defeat; their home record against Madrid is W9 D1 L1 F24 A14. Madrid's record at home to Bayern is W8 D1 L2 F17 A9.
What they Said?
Carlo Ancelotti, Bayern coach
It will be a special occasion for me: I have a special connection with the club and the players. 'Zizou' and I are very good friends. I'm delighted he has done so well at Real and won the UEFA Champions League. The fact I know 'Zizou' and the players well is no advantage, though.
We're aware of what Real can do, we have a lot of respect for them, but we're more focused on what we can do. It will be a difficult match, but we have the confidence and we're in good form.
Zinédine Zidane, Madrid coach
I know Carlo and he knows me, but it means nothing. Tomorrow is about two great teams playing each other, not me playing against Carlo. We have done very well so far in the competition and we want to go for it tomorrow and get the win.
I think our team is better now than in 2014 – but we need to prove it. What happened three years ago happened and it was wonderful. But tomorrow is a completely different game, between two different teams.
Match Background
Bayern
This is Bayern's 28th European Cup quarter-final, and their sixth in succession – they have reached the semi-finals in each of the last five campaigns. Overall, their last-eight record is W18 L9, with victories in their last six ties.
Bayern are appearing in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals for the 16th time, more than any other club. Barcelona and Madrid are next in line on 15 apiece.
At this stage a year ago, Bayern progressed against SL Benfica (1-0 h, 2-2 a). Their last quarter-final loss came in 2008/09, against Barcelona (0-4 a, 1-1 h).
 The 5-1 win at home to Arsenal in their round of 16 first leg was Bayern's record 16th successive home victory in the competition, and their fourth this season.
Bayern's 10-2 aggregate win over Arsenal in the round of 16 was the joint second largest margin of victory in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase. The German club hold the record with their 12-1 aggregate thrashing of Sporting CP in the 2008/09 round of 16.
Bayern's record in two-legged ties against Spanish clubs is W9 L9. Their interest in last season's competition was ended in the semi-finals by Club Atlético de Madrid, who advanced on away goals despite a 2-1 second-leg loss in Munich – Bayern's third consecutive knockout defeat in ties against Spanish sides, meaning each of their last three UEFA Champions League campaigns have been ended by Liga opposition.
The Munich outfit have already beaten Spanish opponents at home in this season's competition, edging Madrid's city rivals Atlético 1-0 on matchday six having lost by the same scoreline away. That was a third straight home victory against Liga visitors; overall Bayern's home record against Spanish clubs is W18 D5 L2.
Real Madrid
Unbeaten in this season's competition, Madrid have made the quarter-finals for the seventh successive year – and have their sights set on becoming the first team to retain the trophy in the UEFA Champions League era.
Madrid are making their 34th appearance in the European Cup quarter-finals, losing only six of those previous ties – most recently against AS Monaco
FC in 2003/04. The Spaniards have won their last six last-eight contests, and are seeking to reach the semi-finals for the seventh year in a row.
Twelve months ago, Zidane's men lost 2-0 at VfL Wolfsburg in their quarter-final first leg but recovered to win the home return 3-0 thanks to a Ronaldo hat-trick. • That Wolfsburg setback was Madrid's sole defeat in their last ten away fixtures in the UEFA Champions League; they won five of those games.
Madrid were paired with Borussia Dortmund in this season's group stage, drawing 2-2 both away and home. Overall, their record in Germany is W4 D7 L19 – three of those wins coming in their last six visits.
Madrid's record in two-legged ties with German clubs in UEFA competition is W13 L8. They have won each of their last five ties against German opposition, scoring 25 goals in the process.
Coach and Player Links
Ancelotti was Real Madrid coach between 2013 and 2015, with the record P119 W89 D14 L16. The Italian won Madrid's tenth European Cup in 2014, his team ousting Bayern in the semi-finals and Atlético after extra time in the Lisbon final.
 Ancelotti twice faced Madrid as coach of AC Milan. The Rossoneri were 1-0 winners in Milan and lost 3-1 in Madrid in the 2002/03 UEFA Champions League second group stage en route to lifting the trophy.
 Zidane was Ancelotti's assistant at Real Madrid.
 Xabi Alonso made 158 Liga appearances for Madrid between 2009 and 2014, scoring four times.
Alonso has played against Madrid eight times (W5 D1 L2) for Real Sociedad de Fútbol and Liverpool FC, scoring in Sociedad's 4-2 home victory in 2003. His Liverpool side beat Madrid 5-0 on aggregate in the 2008/09 round of 16.
Arjen Robben played for Real Madrid between 2007 and 2009, making 50 Liga outings, scoring 11 goals.
Toni Kroos played 130 Bundesliga games for Bayern between 2007 and 2014, claiming 13 goals.
Álvaro Morata played alongside Arturo Vidal and Kingsley Coman at Juventus in 2014/15. Morata provided an assist in each game in Juve's round of 16 tie with Bayern last season – the German club won 6-4 on aggregate.
Vidal notched Juve's opening goal from the penalty spot in a 2-2 group stage draw with Madrid in 2013/14. Benzema was on target in Olympique Lyonnais' 3-2 home loss to Bayern in the 2008/09 group stage.
Robert Lewandowski scored all four goals for Borussia Dortmund in their 4-1 first-leg win at home to Madrid in the 2012/13 UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
 Have played in Spain:
Javi Martínez, Athletic Club (2006–12 – W1 L12 v Madrid with Athletic and Bayern)
Juan Bernat, Valencia CF (2011–14 – D1 L2 v Madrid)
Thiago Alcántara, FC Barcelona (2009–13 – W1 D3 L3 v Madrid)
Have played in Germany:
Dani Carvajal, Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2012/13 – W1 L2 v Bayern)
International team-mates:
Javi Martínez, Thiago Alcántara, Juan Bernat & Dani Carvajal, Nacho, Sergio Ramos, Isco, Álvaro Morata, Lucas Vázquez, Kiko Casilla (Spain)
Renato Sanches & Pepe, Fábio Coentrão, Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Toni Kroos & Manuel Neuer, Mats Hummels, Joshua Kimmich, Jérôme Boateng, Thomas Müller (Germany)
Danilo, Marcelo, Casemiro & Douglas Costa (Brazil)
Raphaël Varane, Karim Benzema & Kingsley Coman (France)
Match Facts
Bayern
 Boateng will incur a suspension with his next booking.
Bayern were 20 games unbeaten, winning 18 of them, before losing 1-0 at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on 4 April.
Lewandowski has scored 46 goals in 45 outings for club and country this term.
Müller did not play against Hoffenheim or Saturday's 4-1 defeat of Borussia Dortmund because of an ankle injury suffered in the 6-0 triumph over FC Augsburg on 1 April.
Neuer, who missed Germany's friendly versus England and the European Qualifier against Azerbaijan due to a calf problem, underwent minor surgery on 29 March after sustaining a foot injury in training and consequently sat out the Augsburg, Hoffenheim and Dortmund fixtures.
Douglas Costa (out since 17 March, knee) had missed Bayern's previous three games before being an unused substitute on Saturday.
Madrid
Luka Modric and Ramos are a booking away from a ban.
Madrid are nine games unbeaten, winning seven of them.
Zidane's men have scored in a Spanish record 52 successive fixtures (139 goals) in all competitions, bettering Barcelona's run of 44 between 1942 and 1944.
The 0-0 draw at Manchester City FC in the first leg of their 2015/16 UEFA Champions League semi-final was the last time the Whites failed to score.
Head coach
Carlo Ancelotti
Date of birth: 10 June 1959
Nationality: Italian
Playing career: Parma FC, AS Roma, AC Milan
Coaching career: AC Reggiana, Parma FC, Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea FC, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid CF, FC Bayern München
One of only seven people to have lifted the European Champion Clubs' Cup as both a player and coach and the second manager, after Bob Paisley, to win the trophy three times. A combative midfielder, he helped Roma win the 1983 Serie A title and four Italian Cups before joining Milan in 1986 where he added two more league championships, as well as back-to-back European Cup triumphs in 1989 and 1990.
Began coaching in 1995 with a year at Reggiana, earning them promotion from Serie B, before two seasons at Parma. Replaced Marcello Lippi at Juventus in February 1999 and returned to San Siro as coach of Milan in 2001.
During eight seasons in charge, won the UEFA Champions League in 2003 and 2007, but lost the 2005 final on penalties to Liverpool FC after leading 3-0. Milan also won a Serie A title, a Coppa Italia and the 2007 FIFA Club World Cup.
Resigned on 31 May 2009 and was named as Chelsea's new manager the following day. His first season in London ended with the club winning the league and cup double for the first time. Dismissed at the end of his second campaign, Ancelotti took charge of Paris in December 2011.
 In his one full season in the French capital, 2012/13, Ancelotti steered Paris to their first Ligue 1 title in 19 years. Left to take over at Madrid, winning the Copa del Rey and the club's tenth European Cup in his first season, becoming only the fifth coach to win the trophy with two clubs in the process.
Madrid added the UEFA Super Cup at the start of the following campaign, the fifth time Ancelotti had won that trophy as player or coach, although he was dismissed at the end of the campaign. In December 2015, appointed Bayern coach on a three-year contract, taking the reins in summer 2016.
Zinédine Zidane
Date of birth: 23 June 1972
Nationality: French
Playing career: AS Cannes, FC Girondins de Bordeaux, Juventus, Real Madrid CF
Coaching career: Real Madrid CF
Born in Marseille to Algerian immigrant parents, Zidane took his first steps towards footballing superstardom at Cannes, transferring to Bordeaux in 1992. Blossomed into a French international, scoring twice on his debut against the Czech Republic in August 1994.
Left Bordeaux after helping them reach the 1996 UEFA Cup final and joined Juventus, where he was a Serie A winner and UEFA Champions League runner-up in each of his first two seasons. Lifted no further trophies, however, in his last three campaigns in Turin prior to a then world-record €78m switch to Madrid in 2001.
Made up for a lack of club silverware by inspiring France to 1998 FIFA World Cup glory – scoring two headers in the Saint-Denis final against Brazil – and at UEFA EURO 2000, where he was player of the tournament; winner of the Ballon d'Or in 1998, he was also voted FIFA World Player of the Year in 1998, 2000 and 2003.
Made it third time lucky in the UEFA Champions League final by hitting a spectacular volleyed winner in Madrid's 2-1 victory over Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the 2002 showpiece at Hampden Park. Landed the UEFA Super Cup, European/South American Cup and Spanish Liga the following season.
Announced his international retirement after UEFA EURO 2004 yet returned a year later and proved inspirational at the 2006 World Cup – especially with a virtuoso display in a quarter-final triumph over holders Brazil; however, was dismissed for a headbutt on Marco Materazzi in the final against Italy – the last match of his career.
Stayed at Madrid in an advisory role, becoming assistant to Carlo Ancelotti in 2013/14 – the season the club claimed their tenth European title. Took charge of Real Madrid Castilla for the next campaign, and in January 2016 succeeded Rafael Benítez as head coach, promptly leading the club to yet another European Cup that May – the seventh to lift the trophy as player and coach. Added the UEFA Super Cup three months later, making him the fifth man to win that trophy in both guises.
Possible line-ups
Bayern: Neuer; Lahm, Javi Martínez, Boateng, Alaba; Vidal, Alonso, Thiago; Robben, Lewandowski, Ribéry.
Out: Hummels (ankle)
Doubtful: Müller (ankle)
Misses next match if booked: Boateng
Real Madrid: Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Nacho, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo.
Out: Pepe (ribs), Varane (hamstring)
Misses next match if booked: Modric, Ramos

No comments:

Post a Comment