Facing Ze Germans: Real Madrid's Statistical Preview against Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Schalke

Real Madrid have never been a fan of the Germans, and their records against the big guns such as Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund is quite shambolic. Real Madrid have been defeated 20 times over the course of 50 matches against German teams.After eliminating Schalke and Borussia Dortmund from the UEFA Champions League this season, Real Madrid face the heavy task of facing possibly the toughest team in Europe right now: Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.In this feature, we will be looking at Real Madrid's record against Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04.

#3 Against Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund under Jürgen Klopp have reached heights that the club couldn't have probably achieved otherwise, and always have been a troublesome team for the Los Blancos.

In the last four matches played between the two teams, Dortmund have emerged victorious once, lost once and also drawn once, which pretty much tells us how closely contested these matches were. This season, it was Real Madrid who held off a comeback from Borussia Dortmund, and secured their place in the semis.

#2 Against Schalke

Schalke and Real Madrid faced each other for the first time in their history this season, and Carlo Ancelotti's side lived upto their expectations as they secured a comfortable two-legged victory against Schalke.

#1 Against Bayern Munich

• Real Madrid and Bayern Munich share a total of 14 European Cup trophies between them with 9 and 5 trophies each respectively.

• Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have faced each other 14 times in the Champions League, and the first-leg game will equal the record for most frequent encounter in the competition (15 between Barcelona and AC Milan.)

• Bayern Munich have beaten Real Madrid eight times (out of 14 games), more than any other side in the Champions League.

• Bayern Munich have lost last of their five away matches at the Santiago Bernabeu; the defeat inlcudes their loss against Inter.)

• Bayern Munich have been unbeaten in their last nine matches in the Champions League knockout stage with 7 wins and 2 draws.

• Bayern Munich have scored in their last 15 Champions League matches, which in itself is a record.

• Bayern Munich players have hit the woodwork the highest number of times this season, a total of 8 times.

• Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is yet to lose to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, and records 4 wins and 2 draws with AC Milan.

[Statistics courtesy: EuroSport and WildStat.]