Bayern have been handed a challenging but cracking tie in the 2017/18 Champions League semi-finals, as the five-time winners of Europe’s top club competition were paired with La Liga giants and holders Real Madrid in the draw for the last four. FCB will play the first leg in Munich with the return a week later in the Spanish capital.
The draw ceremony was held at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland from 13.00 CEST on Friday and was conducted by UEFA chief of communications Pedro Pinto, UEFA director of competitions Giorgio Marchetti, Ukrainian star Andriy Shevchenko and former heavyweight boxer Vitali Klitschko, mayor of the city of Kyiv, the venue for the final.
Bayern play the first leg of the last four tie at the Allianz Arena, with the decisive second leg away from home at the Bernabeu. The first leg in Munich will be played on 25 April, with the return in Madrid just a week later on 1 May. This year’s final takes place in Kyiv on Saturday 26 May.
"They're top opponents, that's clear," commented Hasan Salihamidzic: "We were eliminated by them last year, we want to do better this time. We want to make it to the final." Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is looking forward to "two thrilling matches. It's clear who're favourites, we're up against the Champions League winners."
2016/17 quarter-finals
Bayern against Real Madrid is a true Champions League classic. The two sides have crossed swords 18 times since the foundation of the Champions League and 24 times including the European Champions' Cup. The record is evenly balanced, both teams winning 11 matches, with two games ending in a draw. Bayern and Real face off for the seventh time in the semi-finals. Bayern have progressed four times, Real coming out on top twice.
Real Madrid are the first team to win the Champions League two times in a row, defending their title last year. The Spaniards narrwoly beat FC Bayern in the quarter-finals. Following a 2-1 victory for Bayern at the Allianz Arena, Real advanced thanks to a 4-2 victory after extra time at home.
Ronaldo fires Real into semis
Zinedine Zidane's troops narrowly progressed to the last four this year. They seemingly settled the matter with a 3-0 victory away to Juventus in the quarter-final first leg. However, they went three down in the return leg at home, Cristiano Ronaldo converting a stoppage-time penalty to seal a spot in the semi-finals. Real currently lie fourth in La Liga.
Champions League semi-final draw in full:
FC Bayern– Real Madrid
Liverpool - AS Roma
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