Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid: Key player battles to watch

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 18: Thiago (c) of FC Bayern Munich battles for the ball with Carlos Henrique Casemiro (r) and Nacho Fernandez of Real Madrid during their 2016-17 UEFA Champions League Quarter-finals second leg match between Real Madrid and FC Bayern Munich at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on 18 April 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Power Sport Images/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 18: Thiago (c) of FC Bayern Munich battles for the ball with Carlos Henrique Casemiro (r) and Nacho Fernandez of Real Madrid during their 2016-17 UEFA Champions League Quarter-finals second leg match between Real Madrid and FC Bayern Munich at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on 18 April 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Power Sport Images/Getty Images)
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Real Madrid takes on Bayern Munich in the semifinals of the Champions League in an enticing two-leg affair. Here are some of the key player matchups you need to keep an eye on in this tie.

MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 18: Thiago (c) of FC Bayern Munich battles for the ball with Carlos Henrique Casemiro (r) and Nacho Fernandez of Real Madrid during their 2016-17 UEFA Champions League Quarter-finals second leg match between Real Madrid and FC Bayern Munich at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on 18 April 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Power Sport Images/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 18: Thiago (c) of FC Bayern Munich battles for the ball with Carlos Henrique Casemiro (r) and Nacho Fernandez of Real Madrid during their 2016-17 UEFA Champions League Quarter-finals second leg match between Real Madrid and FC Bayern Munich at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on 18 April 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Power Sport Images/Getty Images)

“Here we go again!”

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich resume their decorated rivalry this week at the Allianz Arena for the first-leg of the Champions League semifinals.

Just over a year on from their last meeting, the sides have drawn each other again. But the stakes are relatively higher this time around. More so for the men in white – for European glory is literally the last chance for Zidane and company, who otherwise run the risk of a title-less year.

The Bavarians, on their part, will be aiming to right a few wrongs. Having been knocked-out on each of the last two occasions by Los Blancos, they’re looking to finally break through the glass ceiling and claim a sixth Champions League title. And moreover, under the man whom Bayern last won the cup in 2013.

However, things are far easier said than done. Both sides possess some of the best names in the business, and this beckons some intriguing matchups over the two legs of the contest.

Let’s delve into the key battles which could decide the final outcome.