Real Madrid legend Manuel Sanchis has said Los Blancos will attack Bayern Munich tonight as it is in their DNA to play attractive football.
Los Blancos hold a 1-0 lead from the first leg of the Champions League tie, and the attraction could be to try and defend that in the Allianz Arena. But speaking in an interview with Bundesliga.com, the 48-year-old former central defender, who made 710 appearances for the club, said Real don’t have it in them to defend for 90 minutes.
“Of course Real could considering lining up to just defend their lead, but that’s not in their DNA. Real cannot afford just to pack men behind the ball in Munich. Real have got to attack. Ancelotti knew in the first leg that he could only play the way he did against Bayern and that’s exactly what his players did. Real have fast players on the break and it’s only natural he tried to use that to his advantage,” Sanchis said.
Sanchis played for Madrid for 18 years, and came across Bayern Munich in his time as a player. Speaking about his memories of playing them, he said the Bundesliga side was always a tough prospect, and a clash between Munich and Madrid is up there with the best football matches in the world.
He commented: “They were tough matches, although they played a more ‘German’ style back then, more physical and with seemingly endless stamina. They beat us many a time, but we did beat them too. When you talk of a classic in European football then right at the top you’ll find Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munchen.”
Finally, when asked about the pressure the players are under to win the Decima, Sanchis said it is immense, but should they qualify tonight, they will be within touching distance of it.
“It’s 12 years since the last Champions League title and every new player who arrives soon feels the pressure that puts on them. Real have got to win everything every year – that is the expectation, so of course that brings with it a lot of pressure. If they can beat Bayern, then they will have taken another step closer to the Decima.”
