Uphill task for Bayern Munich at the Allianz arena against Real Madrid

Sergio Ramos challenges Arjen Robben’s control on the ball

After the sly defeat that Real Madrid handed Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu, the uphill task for Bayern Munich begins as Carlo Ancoletti will be looking to play a defensive game in the champion’s back-yard in order to ensure that he can see his team through to the finals of the Champions League this Wednesday.

A timely strike from Karim Benzema in the 19th minute saw Real Madrid take the lead at the Santiago Bernabeu, as Real clinged to the lead to the very end and even though most of the possession was held by Bayern, Real were able to punish them on the counter, just as they had punished Barcelona a week ago to bring back home the Copa Del Rey Cup.

Josep ‘Pep’ Guardiola is well aware of the dangers Real possess in the forms of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, and now with Angel Di Maria having a mind-boggling season that has proved his worth as a wing striker and also the addition of 90 million summer transfer Gareth Bale, Pep knows exactly how difficult things can get if Bayern are not able to capitalize early in the game.

Arjen Robben looked a bit off-color in the first leg of this tie and most of his runs were easily cut out, and his shots seemed to be moving just in and around the posts, but he just could not force a save of Spanish goalkeeper Iker Cassilas.

Franck Ribery was putting hefty balls in and around the six yard box but no one was able to get a touch on it and the strikers did not seem to have any heart left to equalize, much less try and take a lead over Real.

Though Werder Bremen took an early lead against Bayern Munich, Munich rediscovered their scoring touch as they were finally able to route Werder Bremen 5-2 at home and succeeded in sending a warning Real’s way.

Real meanwhile, answered in style with a 4-0 victory of Osasuna. Carlo Ancoletti rested Gareth Bale for this encounter and took Cristiano Ronaldo off during the second half of their 4-0 victory this Saturday. Karim Benzema was also taken off later and many defenders like Pepe and Fabio Contreao were also rested, they just sat on the bench and saw Real power home.

So, Pep Guardiola has to instill some heart into his players so that they may be able to turn over the defeat suffered at the Santiago Bernabeu. Bayern enjoyed an exhilarating 5-2 victory over Werder Bremen this weekend and that would have instilled some more confidence into the squad, but they are not the only ones who enjoyed a demolishing victory as real were also able to keep a clean sheet and push-over Osasuna. This is gonna make this tie a very interesting one as we watch the second chapter of this story unfold at the Allianz arena this Wednesday.