Real Madrid welcome Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu, hoping to clinch a third straight appearance in the Champions League finals
Real Madrid are caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. First, they endured the chagrin of watching eternal-rivals Barcelona reclaim Spanish glory from them. Next, they’re contending the possible ignominy of having to give them the guard of honour at the Camp Nou later this week. Interspersed in between this domestic dilemma is an all-important clash with Bayern Munich, a final before the final.
We’re aware of Los Blancos drinking in the last chance European saloon. And even if the 2-1 victory in Munich in the first-leg tips the scales slightly in their favour, there have been overwhelming number of precedents this season to believe it hardly counts.
But there’s little left to lose now. And Real Madrid must walk the whole nine yards to achieve whatever’s at stake and make an ominous statement. Here are three things to watch in the second-leg.