Bayern Munich warn Real Madrid: “Now we are better”

Bayern Munich face Real Madrid in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie with their characteristic ambition after thrashing Atalanta BC 10-2 on aggregate. The Bavarian side, unchallenged and brimming with confidence, have more than proven themselves title contenders. To advance, however, the Munich club must break a troubling run against Los Blancos in recent knockout rounds, having lost four of the five ties between the sides since 2012.

“Statistically speaking, it’s about time things changed,” sporting director Max Eberl said after the final whistle against Atalanta. “Real Madrid are a huge club. They know that when it matters, they’re almost always there,” he added. In Munich, the 2024 elimination, marred by a controversial refereeing decision, still stings. It is something they have not forgotten at the Allianz Arena.

“That night was really hard to take. We were so close to the final,” recalled Harry Kane. The striker emphasised the difficulty of the upcoming match. “It will be a tough game. Real Madrid have shown for years how difficult they are to play against.” Reflecting on the clash two years ago, Kane was emphatic. “Now we are in better form.”

Coach Vincent Kompany also expressed his enthusiasm. “It’s a fantastic matchup. It’s top-level football,” he said, before issuing a warning to his players. “With Real Madrid, it’s always the case that the higher the level, the better they play.” Asked about a favourite, Kompany replied: “I don’t want to decide that. Both teams have quality. What I want is to win.”

Chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen concluded by making it clear that “it’s an epic duel.”

German media were quick to stoke the flames ahead of another chapter in the long-standing European rivalry between the two clubs. “Get ready, Vini,” read the headline on the website of Bild, Germany’s most widely circulated newspaper. “Real Madrid are already puffing out their chest and sending warnings to Munich. Since 2012, the Bavarians have not managed to win a tie against Los Blancos. In total, the record German champions have fallen to the Madrid side four times. But Bayern are in top form.”

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