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The most frequently contested fixture in Champions League history is set for yet another thrilling chapter in the 2025–26 quarterfinals, as Real Madrid welcome Bayern Munich for Tuesday's opening leg.
Bayern have arguably been the most spectacular side in Europe this campaign, yet Madrid have traditionally dominated this rivalry. The legendary Los Blancos have eliminated Die Roten from the continent's top club competition four times since the 2013–14 season, claiming victory in seven of the last 10 encounters.
Aspirations of lifting a 16th European title were strengthened when Álvaro Arbeloa's squad stunned Manchester City in the round of 16, breezing past Pep Guardiola's men 5–1 on aggregate. However, Madrid face a stern test if they are to triumph in Budapest, and Sunday's loss to Mallorca has taken some of the shine off their momentum.
Jude Bellingham & Éder Militão Poised for Starts
Éder Militão appeared set to rescue a Real Madrid point on Saturday, but Vedat Muriqi's late strike rendered the Brazilian's precise header meaningless.
Militão returned to action at the weekend following another extended spell on the sidelines, and appears ready to slot straight back into the starting eleven when Bayern arrive. The center back could be joined in the side by Jude Bellingham, who featured for 31 minutes on Saturday after making his return ahead of the international break.
The hosts will be without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, however, meaning Andriy Lunin will retain his spot in goal. Courtois is targeting a return for the second leg next week.
Rodrygo faces an indefinite absence with a serious knee injury, while the rarely-used Dani Ceballos is a doubt with a muscular problem. Ferland Mendy is recovering but was only partially involved in Monday's training session.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1)
GK: Andriy Lunin—Courtois's absence is undeniably significant, but Lunin has repeatedly demonstrated he is a capable stand-in. He is likely to be kept busy on Tuesday evening, with Bayern having netted 100 times in the Bundesliga this season.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold—Alexander-Arnold is bracing for a battle with former Liverpool teammate Luis Díaz, and the English fullback is expected to receive ample cover to neutralize the Colombian's danger.
CB: Éder Militão—Militão has been Madrid's standout center back when available in recent seasons, and his recovery from a hamstring injury should provide a major lift to a defensive unit that has rarely looked solid this campaign.
CB: Dean Huijsen—Arbeloa could stick with Antonio Rüdiger and go with an experienced central defensive partnership, but Huijsen is the more likely starter on the left of the backline despite a challenging debut season in the Spanish capital.
LB: Álvaro Carreras—The summer signing dealt with some fitness concerns before the break but is now fully available heading into the final stretch. He will face stiff competition once Mendy regains full fitness.
CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—The French international is arguably the pivotal figure in Madrid's midfield, and is the only player to have started every Champions League match for Los Blancos this season.
CM: Federico Valverde—The round of 16 hero is available once more after sitting out the weekend due to a domestic suspension. He is expected to drift wide to the right frequently, interchanging with Arda Güler.
RW: Arda Güler—Güler should have room to cut inside and get on the ball to help Madrid navigate Bayern's often relentless press. His positioning will also free up Valverde to cover ground in support of Alexander-Arnold at right back.
AM: Jude Bellingham—Bellingham continues to build his way back to peak condition following a hamstring setback, and may only be capable of delivering around an hour of intense pressing and intelligent movement off the ball on Tuesday.
LW: Vinicius Junior—He should be well-rested for the first leg after Arbeloa chose to leave him out for the trip to Mallorca, expecting his side to have enough quality to overcome the relegation-threatened outfit. Vini Jr. shone in the semifinal against Bayern two years ago.
ST: Kylian Mbappé—Mbappé is targeting the Champions League's top scorer award by season's end, and he will go toe-to-toe with European Golden Shoe frontrunner Harry Kane across both legs. Kane trails Mbappé by three goals in this competition, with the Frenchman's tally of 13 leading the standings.