As the quarter-finals of the Champions League approach, the clash between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid stands out as the best poster of the competition. Bolstered by the return of Kylian Mbappé and after having struck a major blow by eliminating Manchester City in the round of 16, Real Madrid intends to continue its journey. However, the Madrilenians face a wall with the Bavarians who fully assume their status as favorites for final victory. Buoyed by an almost perfect run this season on the European scene, Bayern arrives with the certainty of a team which has not yet experienced the slightest misstep apart from a defeat against Arsenal in the regular phase (3-1).
This Monday, the atmosphere was electric during the pre-match press conferences. The two camps displayed diametrically opposed postures. While the Madrid staff spent a large part of their time rushing to the rescue of soldier Mbappé, at the heart of all the media attention, Bayern Munich chose a much more offensive approach in their words. Vincent Kompany and Joshua Kimmich presented themselves to journalists with a force of conviction which testifies to the serenity reigning within the German club.
“ I just want us to win »
Asked about the stakes and the pressure of such a meeting, Vincent Kompany swept away doubts with great certainty: “what is a great moment?” For example, going far with Belgium in a tournament. The most important thing is that we are fully focused on tomorrow’s match. We want to show what we are capable of. We will give everything. I just want us to win, without being afraid. I will just say that both players are incredible. The rest depends on Real Madrid…” A response full of confidence which shows that Kompany refuses to be intimidated by the prestige of the opponent or by the individualities of Madrid, preferring to place fear on the side of the residents of the Santiago BernabĂ©u.
For his part, Joshua Kimmich hit the nail on the head. Having used to cross swords with the Merengues, the Bavarian captain affirmed that Bayern feels in its rightful place in this type of summit: “To beat Real Madrid, you have to be at the top mentally and tactically. The excitement is palpable. We are excited to play here tomorrow. This is the highest level; This is what we dream of as players. We’re really looking forward to tomorrow. It’s always a very special match. For me, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are the two biggest clubs in the world. » By placing the two institutions on an absolutely equal footing, Kimmich eliminates any inferiority complex. You will have understood, Bayern Munich is ready to do battle with Real Madrid who impress no one on the other side of the Rhine.
