Rüdiger looking forward to Bayern duel: „It will be a game at eye level“ | OneFootball

FC Bayern is back in the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time since winning the treble in 2020. There, the German record champions will face Real Madrid. DFB centre-back Antonio Rüdiger is looking forward to the thrilling clash.

Next Tuesday, FC Bayern will host record Champions League winners Real Madrid at home in the Allianz Arena. In the first leg of the semi-final clash, Munich will be looking to put themselves in a good position for the second leg at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu a week later.

Rüdiger sees no favourites

Alongside former Bayern star Toni Kroos, another German international, Antonio Rüdiger, will be playing for the Whites. The defender is looking forward to an evenly-matched clash between two European heavyweights. „They are both very, very big teams,“ said Rüdiger on Sky. That’s why he expects „a game at eye level“.

The 31-year-old does not want to pick a favourite: „I don’t think you can pick a favourite. Both are in good form, it will be a very interesting game.“

For the Madrilenians and for him personally, the main focus will be on getting to grips with Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sané. He wished the currently injured Sané a speedy recovery: „I hope Leroy is also 100 per cent fit,“ said Rüdiger: „You want to play against the best.“

Bad memories of FC Bayern

The Berlin native also has a personal score to settle with FC Bayern. The only meeting with the Munich side to date was extremely disappointing for Rüdiger. He lost the two matches in the round of 16 of the 19/20 Champions League season – at the time still in the service of Chelsea FC – 3-0 and 4-1.

„It’s the second time I’ve played Bayern in the Champions League. It didn’t work out that way last time, but I’m looking forward to it because it’s a big game,“ explained Rüdiger.

Bayern and Real last faced each other directly six years ago. The European classic between the two teams also took place in the semi-finals of the Champions League. The Spaniards prevailed back then with a 2:1 win and a 2:2 draw.