Manuel Neuer's Bayern Munich brace for Real Madrid in Champions League semis

Neuer, 38, emphasized the significance of facing a formidable opponent like Real Madrid at Allianz Arena on Tuesday night in the firsst leg, labelling the encounters between the two giants as among the pinnacle of football spectacles. 

He remarked to the UEFA website, "Everybody knows Real Madrid. They're a great team, and the duels between Bayern and Real Madrid are more or less the greatest games you can get."

Acknowledging the challenge ahead, Neuer stressed the necessity for Bayern to exhibit top form across both legs to secure a coveted spot in the final at Wembley. He affirmed, "For this reason, we'll have to be in top form on the day in both matches and give our all on the pitch so that we can get into the final."

The prospect of an all-German final looms as Borussia Dortmund also vie for a spot against Paris Saint-Germain. Reflecting on this potential outcome, Neuer expressed pride in German football's representation and reminisced about Bayern's triumph in 2013. 

"Firstly, it's very good for German football that there are two teams in the semi-finals...Now, it's about giving absolutely everything to get there again," he remarked.

The rivalry between Bayern and Real Madrid is storied, with 26 previous encounters in European competitions, marking it as the most-played match in the history of the Champions League. Additionally, this semifinal showdown marks the eighth meeting in the Champions League's final four, with Bayern having prevailed in four of the five prior encounters between 1976 and 2012.

Despite Bayern's formidable home record in the Champions League, Real Madrid have proven to be a formidable opponent in recent years, eliminating Bayern in the semifinals of 2014 and 2018. 

However, Bayern remain resolute, boasting an impressive track record at the Allianz Arena, having lost only one of their last 24 home matches in the Champions League.

As the footballing world eagerly anticipates this clash on Tuesday night, Bayern, under Neuer's leadership, are poised to unleash their best in pursuit of Champions League glory.

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