Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich – Combined XI | OneFootball

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich collide in the Champions League semi-finals tonight, a clash between two teams with rich histories in this competition.

The giants of Spanish and German football are one step away from club football’s biggest game and it’s all to play for between two star-studded squads after an even first leg.

Ahead of a must-watch clash at the Santiago Bernabéu, we’ve selected our Real Madrid and Bayern Munich Combined XI.

Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer – Bayern Munich

The German great is still going strong as captain and leader of Bayern Munich, having been a formidable last line of defence for the Bavarians for well over a decade.

One of the most influential goalkeepers of all time with his sweeper-keeper style, Neuer is aiming for a third Champions League crown this season.

Right-back: Joshua Kimmich – Bayern Munich

Even outside of his favoured midfield position, Joshua Kimmich is world-class. The general of the Bayern Munich team, he is influential, effective and a fierce competitor. Kimmich is often the hub of the side and boasts an extraordinary passing range.

He demands nothing less than 100% commitment from both himself and his teammates and delivered for Bayern in the quarter-finals with the decisive goal in their tie with Arsenal.

Centre-back: Antonio Rudiger – Real Madrid

Antonio Rudiger has cemented his status as one of Europe’s top centre-backs since leaving Chelsea to sign for Real Madrid.

A dominant defensive figure in the Premier League, he has taken his game to even greater heights in Spanish football and was monstrous over two legs to shut down Erling Haaland and Manchester City in the quarter-finals.

Real Madrid’s weekend coronation as La Liga winners was a first league title for Rudiger, one richly deserved for his performances in the absence of several defensive teammates this season.

Centre-back: Eder Militao – Real Madrid

Bayern Munich’s defensive frailties mean it’s an all-Madrid centre-back pairing in our Combined XI.

Eder Militao’s recent return from injury is a welcome boost for Real Madrid as their campaign reaches crunch time in the Champions League. Though still to get completely up to speed, the Brazilian brings excellent reading of the game and the athleticism to cover the ground quickly.

Left-back: Alphonso Davies – Bayern Munich

Carlo Ancelotti hailed Ferland Mendy as the best left-back in world football earlier this season and while the Frenchman has a claim defensively, there’s reason behind Real Madrid’s pursuit of Alphonso Davies.

The Canadian has not quite hit previous heights this season but the explosivity of Davies is box-office viewing when operating at top speed. At his best, he is electric on the overlap and with recovery runs.

Midfield: Toni Kroos – Real Madrid

Bayern Munich know better than most about the talent of Toni Kroos and were served a reminder following a midfield masterclass from the veteran in the first leg. The 34-year-old was in sublime form at the Allianz Arena with 96.3% of his passes completed and a superb assist for Vinicius Junior, splitting the Bayern backline with a threaded pass.

Kroos makes football look easy and Germany will be delighted to have persuaded him out of international retirement ahead of Euro 2024.

Midfield: Fede Valverde – Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s Duracell Bunny is a manager’s dream with his unrelenting endeavour, with Valverde arguably the first name on the team sheet for Carlo Ancelotti. The Uruguay midfielder could become the first outfield player in over a decade to feature in all 38 league games for the club in a season, having been an integral part of their La Liga success this season.

The non-stop intensity of Valverde and his ability to make intelligent decisions at high speed make him a crucial cog for Los Blancos in the big games.

Midfield: Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham’s dream debut season has resulted in La Liga success and the midfielder now has his sights set on the Champions League. Former club Borussia Dortmund could await in the final for Bellingham, who is Real Madrid’s leading scorer with 22 goals in all competitions in 2023/24.

At just 20, he has taken world football’s biggest club by storm. Should the Champions League arrive, he will be a real contender for the Ballon d’Or.

Right-wing: Leroy Sane – Bayern Munich

Leroy Sane produced a moment of magic in the first leg with a special solo goal bringing Bayern Munich back into the tie. After a recent goal drought, it was a welcome return to the scoresheet for Sane, who is an elite talent when at his best.

He has 10 goals and 13 assists in all competitions this season, with only Bayer Leverkusen’s Alex Grimaldo having created more goals in the Bundesliga in 2023/24.

Left-wing: Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid

Vinicius Junior’s devastating double earned Real Madrid a draw at the Allianz Arena as the forward continued his fine record in this competition.

Since the start of the 2021/22 season, Vinicius leads the Champions League for take-ons completed (101), chances created (66), goal involvements (31) and assists (15). Looking at the numbers, it’s easy to see why Carlo Ancelotti has called the Brazilian world football’s finest talent.

Centre-forward: Harry Kane – Bayern Munich

Europe’s leading scorer this season, Harry Kane is heading towards the European Golden Shoe after a record-breaking debut season at Bayern Munich.

After taking the decision to leave Tottenham last summer, he has scored prolifically in German football with 44 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions. He has eight in the Champions League this season and will level Wayne Rooney as the highest-scoring Englishman in the competition’s history with a goal at the Bernabeu.

Read – Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich – Champions League Match Preview

See more – Four players who could succeed Toni Kroos at Real Madrid

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