Champions League semi-final predictions
By Zack Nelson
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.
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.