Bayern Munich - Real Madrid predictions and free betting tips [30/04/2024]

On Tuesday 30th April, in the first semi-final match of the Champions League, Bayern will host Real Madrid on home turf. Bayern, under the nurturing guidance of Thomas Tuchel, defeated Arsenal (3:2) in the previous round, while the 14-time victor of the main European club tournament withstood Manchester City in a penalty shoot-out.

Predicted line-ups

Bayern: Neuer; Kimmich, Kim, Dier, Davies; Goretzka, Pavlovic; Muller, Musiala, Gnabry; Kane.
Real Madrid: Lunin; Vazquez, Rudiger, Tchouameni, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior.

Stadium

The match will take place at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

Bayern

This season in the Bundesliga turned out to be a disaster for Bayern, who lost the title for the first time in 11 years – this time to Bayer Leverkusen. However, in the Champions League, Bayern reminded the football world that they are still a top club, knocking out Arsenal in the quarterfinal (2:2 at the Emirates, 1:0 in the return match at the Allianz Arena). Following their duel with the Gunners, the Germans dealt with Union Berlin (1:5) and secured a home victory over Eintracht (2:1) this past weekend thanks to a double from Harry Kane.

Of note is the fact that Tuesday brings Bayern's first Champions League semi-final since their triumphal performance in the 2019/20 campaign when the white-and-reds annihilated Lyon at this stage of the tournament. Notably, Bayern have lost thrice on home ground this season, the latest defeat handed to them by Borussia Dortmund (0:2). 

Real Madrid

Real Madrid once again prove that they are the kings of the Champions League. Los Blancos were beaten 4:0 by Manchester City at the Etihad in last year's semi-final but managed to exact revenge this time around: following a 3:3 draw in Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti's team endured at the Etihad via a penalty shoot-out (1:1 after extra time). The Madrid side are now just three matches away from lifting the coveted trophy for the 15th time in their history. As for the domestic league, Madrid have effectively secured top spot, overcoming Barcelona in El Clásico this past weekend (3:2 with a goal from Jude Bellingham).

Thanks to a routine victory over Real Sociedad on last Friday (0:1), the visitors arrive in Munich with an 18-match unbeaten run, having won seven out of their last eight Champions League matches. Moreover, the Spaniards have already played 10 consecutive Champions League matches without a loss, just one match shy of their historic record – 11 game undefeated streak during their triumphant 2016/17 campaign. 

Head to head

The two teams last faced each other in the Champions League in 2018, and then, Madrid made it to the final thanks to a double from Benzema in the return match at the Santiago Bernabeu (a 1:2 victory in the first leg, 2:2 in the return fixture).

Prediction for Bayern vs Real Madrid

Interesting fact: these two teams have never ended in a goalless draw (0:0). Both conserved energy in their respective leagues this past weekend, and are fully preparing for the face-off in the Champions League semi-final. However, the staff situation at Bayern can't help but trouble fans. Moreover, this season's hosts are not the merciless machine we've seen in previous years. Real Madrid know how to get the desired result away from home, as demonstrated in the previous round, so I am backing the visitors not to lose.

Total prediction

It's obvious that Bayern will press on the attack from the off and strive to create an advantage before the return fixture in Spain. This opens up an opportunity for Madrid to develop some dangerous counter-attacks, which persuades me to back both teams to score.

Prediction for corners

Both teams boast excellent attackers and average more than 5.5 corners per match. I'm confidently backing over 9.5 corners in total.

Prediction for bookings

First play-off matches are usually light on bookings, so I'll predict under 4.5 total yellow cards.

Score prediction

I believe the final scoreline will read 1:1.