Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich: 3 things to watch for in the second-leg
By Sachin Bhat
The hosts to fly out of the blocks
Unlike the last two home games in Europe where they took considerable time before they got going, Real Madrid must come out all guns blazing here. Push Bayern on the backfoot and make the advantage count.
The laid-back approach during the initial exchanges in previous home games, especially against Juventus, saw them conceding first and nearly threw the game away in the latter case. The Merengues needed the away side to score first before they woke up from the slumber and eventually hit them. But that shouldn’t be the case here. This is the deciding tie before the finals, and there’s no room for complacency or subtle errors.
Bayern are likely to do what the Bianconeris did last time – dominate possession from the offing. But the hosts shouldn’t let that happen. At least one goal in the first-half is imperative. This will not only put them on the brink, but also consign the Bavarians into a tailspin, giving scope for more on the counter.
In this very game last year, Ronaldo’s goal came in the 76th minute. Los Blancos should not leave it so late this time around.