May 8, (THEWILL) – Bayern Munich are dreaming of UEFA Champions League glory as they prepare to face Real Madrid in the second leg of their semi-final at the Bernabeu on Wednesday. After a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Germany, Thomas Tuchel’s side must beat the record 14-time winners in Madrid to reach the final at Wembley.
With their 11-year Bundesliga reign ended by Bayer Leverkusen last month, the UCL is Bayern’s last chance for silverware this season. Tuchel urged his players to “connect with their inner child” and rediscover the dreams they had as youngsters of playing such big matches at iconic stadiums like the Bernabeu.
“It is important to connect with your own inner child. When we were little, we played these games in the garden. So, now we are here and that’s our chance to make it true,” Tuchel told reporters in Madrid. He knows his side must be clinical against the Spanish giants, saying: “Both teams are very, very strong in the transition game. It gets very complex. You need luck and precision.”
Bayern dominated long spells of the first leg but were undone by Real’s ruthlessness, with Vinicius Junior scoring twice either side of goals from Leroy Sane and Harry Kane. Despite Real’s pedigree, with six Champions Leagues in the last decade, Tuchel insists his side should not fear their aura.
“Bayern are also one of the most successful and dominant clubs in the world and we have an obligation to do our best when we step on the pitch tomorrow,” said the German coach, adding: “You don’t talk about myths, that would make it harder for us. It is already one of the toughest stadiums to win but not impossible.”
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
