When FC Bayern host Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg on Tuesday night, Leon Goretzka is set to play a prominent role once again. The central midfielder has impressed in recent weeks with strong performances, leading from the front with his commitment and contributing in both defence and attack. The 29-year-old has therefore played a big role in the fact that FCB are approaching crunch time in Europe's premier club competition in good form with four wins in a row.
Goretzka: 'What could be nicer?'
"I believe in us," declared a confident Goretzka in a chat with fcbayern.com ahead of the clash with Real. "We've had a turbulent season but the Champions League is our last chance to win a title. We'll prepare very well and have a good game plan. I'm really looking forward to the game. I've never experienced Bayern versus Real before. What could be nicer than such a semi-final match-up?!"
Goretzka's good memory of the Bernabéu
The Germany international does have experience of beating Los Blancos from his time at FC Schalke 04, though. In the round of 16 of the 2014/15 Champions League season, Schalke - with Leroy Sané and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting also in the side - pulled off a 4-3 win at the Bernabéu.
"That was an incredible game," reflects Goretzka. "It was also a rising moment for Leroy, who scored his first Champions League goal. We got standing ovations. It was a magical evening for us, even if it wasn't enough in the end." After a 2-0 loss in the first leg, the narrow victory in Madrid didn't suffice for a place in the quarter-finals. "We were one goal away from going through then. I want to do better with Bayern this time," he added.
Goretzka: 'Something emerged against Arsenal'
To achieve the best possible position for the second leg in the Spanish capital on 8 May, the Bavarians are hoping to take the momentum from the last few weeks. "I think something emerged against Arsenal," described Goretzka. "You felt it in the dressing room afterwards. That could be the start of something great."
Goretzka and midfield colleague Laimer ranked the best moments from previous UCL clashes with Real:
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