The UCL returns, with the semi finals taking place over the next eight days. On Tuesday at 3:00pm EST, Bayern Munich will host Real Madrid. Then Borussia Dortmund host Paris Saint Germain on Wednesday at 3:00pm EST.
While Madrid may be favorites, their players and coaches have demonstrated a tremendous respect for their opponents in coming in to this series. For example, Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde said all games in Champions League are difficult, regardless of the opponent.
“All the teams deserve respect, Bayern Munich above all. The same as Real Madrid they always make it until the end. We respect them in the same way we respect Manchester City.”
Madrid Coach Carlo Ancelotti echoed this respect saying of Bayern, “We are confident to face a team that, despite not having made a great Bundesliga, have had a great Champions League tie against Arsenal.”
Bayern are in good form at the moment, having won five of their last six games. Their last loss occurred a on March 29th, 0-2 to Borussia Dortmund, a team they could face in the final of the UCL. Madrid have also won five of their last six games, and their last loss occurred four months ago, on January 18th 4-2 to Atlético de Madrid.
Dortmund has not reached the finals of the UCL since 2012, but they have an excellent chance to do so this year. They are undefeated in their last ten UCL home games, with six wins and four ties. Furthermore, PSG have never won an away game against Dortmund in the UCL, with one loss and two draws in those three meetings. Lastly, Dortmund however have had demonstrated vulnerability, with three losses in their last 10 games, including a recent 4-1 loss to RB Leipzig, on April 27th.
PSG are in good form as of late, with seven wins in their last ten games. Furthermore, while they may have struggled against Dortmund away from home, their overall record against the Germans is better, with two wins, three draws, and one loss in six games. PSG also counts on (perhaps for one last dance) Europe’s most prolific forward, Kylian Mbappé. Mbappé has scored 43 goals and registered ten assists in 44 competitive games for PSG this season.
Thank you for tuning as the UCL returns, with the semi finals.
Keep up with The Game Haus further coverage on the Champions League throughout the week.
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