04/15/26 05:08:00
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04/15 05:07 CDT Bayern primed to finish the job against Real Madrid in
Champions League
Bayern primed to finish the job against Real Madrid in Champions League
MUNICH (AP) --- Bayern Munich is primed to finish the job against embattled
Real Madrid to reach the Champions League semifinals on the way to a potential
treble of trophies from an outstanding season.
The Bavarian powerhouse holds a 2-1 lead over Madrid from the first leg of
their quarterfinal last week, and coach Vincent Kompany has a full squad at his
disposal with no injuries after Bayern smashed the Bundesliga goals record with
a 5-0 rout of St. Pauli at the weekend.
That victory put Bayern within touching distance of yet another league title --
the 13th in 14 years -- while it faces Bayer Leverkusen in the semifinals of
the German Cup on April 22.
Bayern's excellence contrasts sharply with Madrid's troubles. The 15-time
European champion faces the prospect of a second consecutive season without a
trophy unless it beats Bayern away by two goals in what is sure to be a hostile
environment in Munich.
Madrid was held 1-1 at home by Girona at the weekend, allowing Barcelona to
open a nine-point lead in La Liga, after its third straight game without a win.
Kylian Mbapp received a blow to his face at the end of that match but will be
able to play as Madrid attempts a famed "remontada" (comeback) to salvage the
tie and keep alive its hopes of a trophy in the competition that defines the
club.
"We are the team that never gives up," coach Alvaro Arbeloa said.
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