Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid: 3 Things to Watch in the First Leg of the Champions League Quarterfinal
By Ben Sundock
The Insider Info
“It’s easy to predict what Bayern want to do,” a confident Toni Kroos said. “I think they’re going to attack us from the start and try to press us high up the pitch.”
Former Bayern favorite and German international, Kroos, isn’t afraid of the talented club he played for from 2007-2014 before joining Real Madrid, saying in a press conference prior to Wednesday’s clash.
However, Kroos doesn’t expect to be overwhelmed by the attacking Bavarians, “Not for 90 minutes like they did under Guardiola, they will step back a bit, but here at home they are going to pressure us a lot and have a lot of possession, of course.”
Kroos, considered by many to be the maestro in the Madrid midfield, will play a crucial role in the match, not only for his great talent for his knowledge on the opposing team. Kroos, having played for Bayern from the youth academy to the senior squad, knows many of Bayern’s best players and the clubs tactics.
If anything, Kroos having played for Bayern under now Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, and under current Bayern manager Ancelotti at Real Madrid for one season, he might have the best game plan as to how the knock off the formidable team on the road.
Kroos will more than likely make his seventh start in the Champions League this season, and he has been by far one of the best players for Los Blancos in this UCL campaign. Completing 91% of his passes in the competition, adding one assist, and an average match rating just below 7.20, Kroos’ contributions in a white jersey have been unfathomably important.
He will need to step up again in his former home stadium tomorrow night.
And hopefully, Real can repeat what they did to Bayern in the Allianz back in 2014 in the semifinals, winning 4-0.
Next: Between Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, Zidane’s Tactical Prowess and Weakness