ShareNo clubs have met more times in the Champions League than Real Madrid and Bayern Munich (28).By Filip MishovBayern tie turning into all-or-nothing moment for Álvaro ArbeloaReal Madrid’s impressive five-match winning streak came to an end over the weekend with Álvaro Arbeloa‘s squad leaving Mallorca empty-handed and allowing LaLiga leaders, Barcelona, to strengthen their lead at the top (they are now seven points clear). One might argue, the March international break disrupted their momentum, but the reality is different, as Kylian Mbappé & co. created only a couple of big chances against the relegation-threatened Pirates, continuing a season long patter that has seen them produce over 35 less big chances than title rivals Barcelona. With the Champions League trophy possibly the only chance of winning silverware for Álvaro Arbeloa left this season, a failure to progress from the quarter-finals might force President Florentino Pérez in to making another coaching change over the summer.Opponents Bayern München are on course for a treble, with Vincent Kompany boasting the highest-scoring squad (100 goals) among Europe’s top 5 leagues and moving closer to defending the Bundesliga title after mounting an incredible last-gasp comeback at Freiburg. However, despite Bayern’s exquisite season, a trip to the Bernabéu will pose a different challenge for the German champions who have not won a game in Madrid since 2001 (1D, 7L). The Bavarians have been eliminated in each of the past four knockout ties against the 15-time European champions.Key playersFederico Valverde was sorely missed in the defeat to Mallorca with the Uruguayan’s absence felt both in terms of quality and character on the pitch, as the fearless vice-captain is setting the standard for his teammates this season. The 27-year-old scored a hat-trick in the Champions League round of 16, sending Real Madrid to the quarter-finals, and once again, the versatile midfielder’s presence and performance will be crucial, regardless of whether he’s deployed in defence or midfield.Michael Olise’s remarkable seasonIf it were not for Harry Kane‘s extraordinary season, Michael Olise‘s performances and form would definitely receive much more deserved recognition, as the super-talented Frenchman is on 19 goals and 26 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions, which is quite remarkable. The 24-year-old is the second-highest-FotMob rated player (averaging 8.15) in the Bundesliga, only behind the England captain (8.30). No one has created more big chances (25) and recorded more league assists (18) as well as Champions League assists (5) than him this season. Álvaro Carreras has one have a hell of a task on his hands to stop the in-form winger.Team newsValverde will return in the starting XI after serving a one-match suspension in LaLiga and Vinícius Júnior should follow suit, but whether Éder Militao and Jude Bellingham will join them, is a conundrum for the coach. Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo remain injured.Harry Kane missed the comeback win over the weekend and although the prolific striker travelled with the squad to Madrid, his availability is described as touch-and-go, with a final decision to be made ahead of kick-off. Aside from that issue, almost everyone else is available for the visitors.ScreenshotPredictionReal Madrid suffered a major setback in the title race back home and Arbeloa’s main focus could now be on winning a 16th Champions League title, in a bid to keep Florentino Pérez’s trust. But the fact remains, the Kings of Europe are struggling this season, and with or without Harry Kane, I expect Bayern to secure at least a draw in the first leg and improve their poor record at the Bernabéu.(Cover image from IMAGO)You can follow every game from the Champions League with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, player ratings. Download the free app here.No clubs have met more times in the Champions League than Real Madrid and Bayern Munich (28).By Filip MishovBayern tie turning into all-or-nothing moment for Álvaro ArbeloaReal Madrid’s impressive five-match winning streak came to an end over the weekend with Álvaro Arbeloa‘s squad leaving Mallorca empty-handed and allowing LaLiga leaders, Barcelona, to strengthen their lead at the top (they are now seven points clear). One might argue, the March international break disrupted their momentum, but the reality is different, as Kylian Mbappé & co. created only a couple of big chances against the relegation-threatened Pirates, continuing a season long patter that has seen them produce over 35 less big chances than title rivals Barcelona. With the Champions League trophy possibly the only chance of winning silverware for Álvaro Arbeloa left this season, a failure to progress from the quarter-finals might force President Florentino Pérez in to making another coaching change over the summer.Opponents Bayern München are on course for a treble, with Vincent Kompany boasting the highest-scoring squad (100 goals) among Europe’s top 5 leagues and moving closer to defending the Bundesliga title after mounting an incredible last-gasp comeback at Freiburg. However, despite Bayern’s exquisite season, a trip to the Bernabéu will pose a different challenge for the German champions who have not won a game in Madrid since 2001 (1D, 7L). The Bavarians have been eliminated in each of the past four knockout ties against the 15-time European champions.Key playersFederico Valverde was sorely missed in the defeat to Mallorca with the Uruguayan’s absence felt both in terms of quality and character on the pitch, as the fearless vice-captain is setting the standard for his teammates this season. The 27-year-old scored a hat-trick in the Champions League round of 16, sending Real Madrid to the quarter-finals, and once again, the versatile midfielder’s presence and performance will be crucial, regardless of whether he’s deployed in defence or midfield.Michael Olise’s remarkable seasonIf it were not for Harry Kane‘s extraordinary season, Michael Olise‘s performances and form would definitely receive much more deserved recognition, as the super-talented Frenchman is on 19 goals and 26 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions, which is quite remarkable. The 24-year-old is the second-highest-FotMob rated player (averaging 8.15) in the Bundesliga, only behind the England captain (8.30). No one has created more big chances (25) and recorded more league assists (18) as well as Champions League assists (5) than him this season. Álvaro Carreras has one have a hell of a task on his hands to stop the in-form winger.Team newsValverde will return in the starting XI after serving a one-match suspension in LaLiga and Vinícius Júnior should follow suit, but whether Éder Militao and Jude Bellingham will join them, is a conundrum for the coach. Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo remain injured.Harry Kane missed the comeback win over the weekend and although the prolific striker travelled with the squad to Madrid, his availability is described as touch-and-go, with a final decision to be made ahead of kick-off. Aside from that issue, almost everyone else is available for the visitors.ScreenshotPredictionReal Madrid suffered a major setback in the title race back home and Arbeloa’s main focus could now be on winning a 16th Champions League title, in a bid to keep Florentino Pérez’s trust. But the fact remains, the Kings of Europe are struggling this season, and with or without Harry Kane, I expect Bayern to secure at least a draw in the first leg and improve their poor record at the Bernabéu.(Cover image from IMAGO)You can follow every game from the Champions League with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, player ratings. Download the free app here.