Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich – Champions League Quarter-Final Preview, Team News & Prediction
Sportsphere24 Updates — April 7, 2026
Match Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | UEFA Champions League – Quarter-Final (First Leg) |
| Date | Tuesday, April 7, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 21:00 CET / 3:00 PM ET |
| Venue | Santiago BernabΓ©u, Madrid, Spain |
| Referee | TBA |
Introduction
A true European classic returns to the Santiago BernabΓ©u. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich – two giants with 20 European Cups between them – collide in the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2018 .
These teams have met 28 times in European competition. Real Madrid has won 13, Bayern 11, with 4 draws . But in the knockout stage since 2012, Real Madrid has a perfect record against Bayern – winning all four encounters .
Bayern arrives in Madrid in devastating form. They crushed Atalanta 10-2 on aggregate in the Round of 16 . Real Madrid, sitting 7 points clear at the top of La Liga, demolished Manchester City 5-1 to reach this stage .
Looking for more Champions League action? Check out our full preview of Sporting CP vs. Arsenal .
Team News & Injuries
Real Madrid
| Player | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| David Alaba | Out | ACL injury |
| Eder MilitΓ£o | Out | ACL injury |
| Dani Carvajal | Doubtful | Muscle fatigue |
| VinΓcius Jr. | Available | Fit after minor knock |
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Courtois; VΓ‘zquez, RΓΌdiger, Nacho, Mendy; Valverde, TchouamΓ©ni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, MbappΓ©, VinΓcius Jr.
Bayern Munich
| Player | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manuel Neuer | Out | Rib injury |
| Kingsley Coman | Doubtful | Muscle strain |
| Jamal Musiala | Available | Fully fit |
| Harry Kane | Available | Leading scorer |
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Ulreich; Mazraoui, Upamecano, Kim, Davies; Kimmich, Goretzka; SanΓ©, Musiala, Tel; Kane.
Related: Champions League injury tracker 2026: Every team's unavailable players
Key Matchup: VinΓcius Jr. vs. Joshua Kimmich
The battle on Real Madrid's left wing could decide the tie. VinΓcius Jr. has terrorized Bayern in the past, scoring in the 2024 semi-final second leg. Joshua Kimmich – likely playing right-back – will have his hands full with the Brazilian's pace and dribbling.
Advantage: Real Madrid.
Score Prediction
The BernabΓ©u on a Champions League night is a fortress. Bayern is dangerous, but Real Madrid's home record in this competition is unmatched.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2, Bayern Munich 1
Bold prediction: Jude Bellingham scores the winner.
Second leg: April 15 at Allianz Arena, Munich
What to Watch For
Kane's first BernabΓ©u experience: The English striker has never played at the Santiago BernabΓ©u. How will he handle the pressure?
MbappΓ©'s big-game pedigree: The French superstar loves the Champions League knockout stage.
Bayern's away form: Can Bayern break their BernabΓ©u curse?
Check back to Sportsphere24 Updates immediately after full time for the complete match recap, highlights, and player ratings.