Real Madrid host Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu for the first leg of their blockbuster Champions League quarter-final clash.
Despite an indifferent league phase and a faltering LaLiga title challenge, Madrid’s 5-1 aggregate win over Manchester City in the last-16 shows how destructive they can be in full flow. With their history in this competition, the 16-time winners remain dangerous opponents in spite of lingering struggles.
Conversely, Bayern are having a superb season. They sit nine points clear at the top of the Bundesliga and have their sights set on winning a treble. Vincent Kompany’s side swept past Atalanta 10-2 on aggregate to reach the quarter-final and beating Real would prove their credentials as title challengers.
Star striker Harry Kane is enjoying the finest season of his club career, meanwhile, and trained before the first leg to potentially offer the German side a huge injury boost after the England international picked up a small knock last week.
Follow all the action from the Champions League quarter-final with our live blog below:
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich live
- Real Madrid host Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final
- Kick off is at 8pm, live on TNT Sports 1
- Real beat Manchester City in the last-16 while Bayern defeated Atalanta 10-2 on aggregate
Head-to-head
17:08 , Mike JonesReal Madrid have won the last four two-legged ties between the teams, most recently 4-3 on aggregate in the 2023/24 semi-finals.
Vinícius Junior struck twice in a 2-2 first-leg draw in Munich, Harry Kane getting Bayern's second goal; Alphonso Davies scored for the visitors in a 2-1 second-leg loss in Madrid.
Harry Kane hits 50 Champions League goals as Bayern Munich thrash Atalanta
17:00 , Mike JonesLast time out, Harry Kane became the first English player to hit 50 Champions League goals, scoring twice as Bayern Munich humbled Atalanta again to complete a 10-2 aggregate win.
The Bundesliga giants set up a mouth-watering quarter-final against Real Madrid, following up their 6-1 victory in Bergamo with a 4-1 home success at the Allianz Arena.
Harry Kane hits 50 Champions League goals as Bayern Munich thrash Atalanta
There is 'only one scenario' for Real Madrid
16:53 , Mike JonesReal Madrid only have ‘one scenario’ ahead of them says Alvaro Arbeloa and that is to beat Bayern Munich.
The Spanish giants are not thinking of any other possibility.
Their head coach said: "We don't think about not winning the tie and there is only one possible scenario, which is to beat Bayern and get through the tie.
“It's the only thing we want and the only thing we believe in. All our energy is in the game against Bayern."
Bayern are 'unbelievable'
16:45 , Mike Jones"Bayern are unbelievable – we've seen what they can do this season,” said Real coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
“We have a lot of respect for them; they're having an exceptional season. I think Bayern have been the most consistent side in Europe this season.
“They are very complete: they're fearless, aggressive, very focused defensively, with an unbelievable striker in Harry Kane."
European longevity
16:37 , Mike JonesThis is Real Madrid's 41st European Cup quarter-final which, unsurprisingly, is a record amount.
Bayern are second in that tally with 36 appearances, although in the Champions League era Bayern have a record 24 last-eight appearances, two more than Madrid.
Vini Jr on Harry Kane
16:24 , Mike JonesThere are doubts over whether Bayern Munich striker, Harry Kane, will be able to play in tonight’s match.
Even if he does not, Real know they will come up against stiff opposition.
Vinicius Jr said: "He [Kane] is a born goalscorer. He is a great player.
“But Bayern have so many good players, who switch positions and play very well. It's a great team.
“If Kane does not play, whoever plays in his position will do very well."
Close contests
16:14 , Mike JonesThis is the 29th meeting between the two teams.
It is the most in Uefa club competition and all have come in the European Cup.
Madrid have 13 wins to Bayern's 11, scoring 45 goals – three more than their German rivals.
Why Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich could hinge on an intriguing Liverpool reunion
16:07 , Will CastleWhat a difference a year can make.
We are 20 days out from the first anniversary of Liverpool sealing their 20th Premier League title, a triumph of which Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz were integral to. They will now be pitted against each other for two different teams - Real Madrid and Bayern Munich - in a colossal Champions League quarter-final, having gone down vastly contrasting paths since that afternoon of ecstasy at Anfield.
Why Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich could hinge on a Liverpool reunion
Bayern in good form
16:00 , Mike JonesBayern were second in the league phase and made it nine wins in their 10 games in this season's competition at the expense of Atalanta in the last 16 whom they defeated 10-2 on aggregate across two legs.
Madrid's knockout record
15:52 , Mike JonesReal Madrid reached this stage for the sixth season in succession by overcoming Manchester City in the round of 16.
They had finished ninth in the league phase before beating Benfica in the knockout phase play-offs.
Real Madrid 'much stronger'
15:45 , Mike JonesReal Madrid’s season has been hampered at times by injuries to key players but now many of them are returning.
That makes the 16-time Champions League winners ‘much stronger’ according to Vini Jr.
He explained: "When everyone is back from injury, we are much stronger and better.
“Eder Militão has returned. Jude Bellingham is back.
“Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos are coming back too. It will be better for the team."
Vinicius Jr hails Lamine Yamal for condemning anti-Muslim chants in Spain friendly
15:37 , Will CastleVinicius Jr hailed Lamine Yamal for publicly condemning anti-Muslim chants in Spain’s clash with Egypt last week, saying players need to stick together in the fight against discrimination.
Barcelona star Yamal spoke out against the "intolerable" Islamophobic chanting heard during his side’s friendly, appearing visibly distressed at the RCDE Stadium in his home city.
Vinicius Jr hails Lamine Yamal for condemning anti-Muslim chants in Spain friendly
Vinicius Jr on impact of Kylian Mbappe
15:36 , Mike JonesVinicius Jr sat down with the media ahead of tonight’s match and discussed plenty of talking including the impact of Kylian Mbappe on Real Madrid.
"When there are lots of great players, everyone talks about all of them,” he said.
“Kylian [Mbappé] scores a lot, always gives us confidence. He is here to help.
“I have an incredible connection on and off the pitch with him. We will battle and fight together for the club."
Bayern Munich early team news
15:29 , Mike JonesBayern top scorer Harry Kane faces a race against time to be fit to start after pulling out of England duty with a minor problem, with Kompany set to make a late call. It means Nicolas Jackson could lead the line.
Predicted Bayern Munich XI: Neuer; Stanisic, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Gnabry, Diaz; Kane
Real Madrid early team news
15:22 , Mike JonesReal Madrid are dealing with some high-profile absentees in the form of Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo, while Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos are doubts to feature for Alvaro Arbeloa.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Lunin; Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni, Pitarch, Guler; Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.
How can I watch it?
15:15 , Mike JonesViewers in the UK can watch the match on TNT Sports 1 with coverage starting at 7pm BST. It will also be streamed on HBO Max.
When is Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich?
15:08 , Mike JonesReal Madrid’s quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich kicks off at 8pm BST on Tuesday 7 April at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich
15:00 , Mike JonesReal Madrid play host to Bayern Munich in a quarter-final clash of European superpowers as the Champions League season enters its business end.
Record-winners Real are seeking to add a 16th crown to their collection but will need to put their stuttering LaLiga title charge out of their mind, with shock defeat to Mallorca on the weekend seeing them drop seven points behind leaders Barcelona.
Bayern, on the other hand, are yet to properly stumble this term and sit nine points clear atop the Bundesliga, with the treble firmly in their sights.
Real Madrid have already slain a giant to get to this stage, dumping out Manchester City in the previous round, while Vincent Kompany’s side made easy work of Atalanta to reach the last eight, thrashing them 10-2 on aggregate.
Good afternoon!
13:26 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Champions League action as Real Madrid host Bayern Munich in the quarter-final.
Real swept Manchester City aside in the previous round and aim to do the same against the Bundesliga champions as they seek to win this competition for a record-extending 17th time.
We’ll have all the team news and latest updates throughout the evening so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm.
