Champions League semi-final predictions

SEVILLE, SPAIN – APRIL 03: Franck Ribery of Bayern Muenchen celebrates with Mats Hummels of Bayern Muenchen after scoring his sides first goal after his shot was deflected in by Jesus Navas of Sevilla (not pictured) during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Sevilla FC and Bayern Muenchen at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on April 3, 2018 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid

And now for the big one.

It’s somewhat unfortunate that the two best teams left in the competition aren’t meeting in the final, but that just means that we get to see Bayern vs Real Madrid twice instead of just once.

These two are no strangers to the Champions League semi-finals, as this is Real Madrid’s 8th consecutive appearance, and Bayern’s seventh in the last nine years, according to ESPN.

Neither team is exactly roaring into this round though, as Real Madrid were saved by a 93rd minute penalty against Juventus, and Bayern fought out a gritty 0-0 draw against Sevilla in the second legs of their respective quarter-final matchups.

If you haven’t seen Real Madrid’s penalty and the ensuing madness, here you go: pic.twitter.com/1ajXCuinRc
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) April 11, 2018

But that late win may work into Real Madrid’s favor. As poor as they’ve been this season (compared to their own standards, obviously), getting an exciting victory in stoppage time could give them an injection of excitement and momentum to carry them through.

While I think that Bayern is the better team, I just can’t bet against Cristiano Ronaldo while he’s putting on the best Champions League campaign of all time. After a very close and thrilling tie, Real Madrid will advance to their 3rd consecutive Champions League final.

Prediction: Real Madrid 4-4 Bayern, Real wins in penalties.