Yesterday’s Champions League draw pitted Real Madrid against Bayern Munich, with Chelsea facing Atletico de Madrid in the other semi-final.
And today’s papers have plenty of reaction to the draw, with the overall tone being one of anxiousness ahead of facing the German side. This will be the sixth time the two teams have met at the semi-final stage in the European Cup. Of the previous five, the Bavarians have won four, including the most recent meeting in 2012.
Marca and AS both carry plenty of quotes from players and managers alike about the semi-final match up. Real boss Carlo Ancelotti, who has won the competition twice as a manager, said although Bayern are favourites, it will be an “exciting challenge” for his players. Former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, now in charge of the Bundesliga side, revealed he is looking forward to the two games and added that he knows Madrid very well.
Away from the Champions League, Los Blancos have an important La Liga match tonight, The face Almeria at the Santiago Bernabeu knowing they must win to keep the pressure up on Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid in the title race.
Ancelotti will have to reshuffle his pack, with several players out missing, Daniel Carvajal and Xabi Alonso are suspended, while Marcelo, Álvaro Arbeloa, Sami Khedira, Jesé Rodríguez and Cristiano Ronaldo are all in the treatment room.
