Bayern look to set record straight against Real Madrid

Simon Baskett

Bayern Munich will be looking to set another Champions League record straight on Tuesday when they face Real Madrid in a semifinal, first leg clash.

Bayern have already gained some measure of revenge for their last-gasp defeat in the 1999 Champions League final with a 3-1 aggregate win over Manchester United earlier this month.

Now they have a score to settle with the Spanish giants.

Bayern twice defeated Real in the second group phase of last year's tournament, but Real got the better of the Germans when it mattered, eliminating them at the semifinal stage with a 3-2 aggregate win.

Real went on to secure their eighth European crown after a 3-0 victory over fellow Spaniards Valencia, but the most hard-fought and dramatic games of the competition had been against the Germans.

"I don't like talking of revenge, because this is a another game, but we are really looking forward to winning it," said Bayern coach Ottmar Hitzfeld.

"There is no better way of winning respect in Europe than by beating the reigning champions."

Bayern face a tough task as few would argue that Real are a more complete side this season.

Selling Nicolas Anelka and buying Luis Figo has worked wonders for Vicente Del Bosque's side who have won all seven of their Champions League matches at the Bernabeu.

The team were clearly saving themselves for the Bayern match as they coasted to a 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Osasuna on Saturday.

IMPRESSIVE GOALS

Real rested central defender Fernando Hierro and Ivan Helguera, who has notched an impressive six goals in this season's Champions League, but both will be fit for Tuesday's match.

Steve McManaman sustained a minor injury to his right ankle in the Osasuna match, but should make the starting line-up alongside Figo and Claude Makelele. The French international will have the tough task of minding Stefan Effenberg in midfield.

Up front, a persistent groin injury has meant that Fernando Morientes is out once again and is likely to be replaced by Guti.

But with Raul in sparkling form, Del Bosque should not be unduly worried. The Spanish international tops the chart in this season's competition with seven goals and is number one in the all-time Champions League list with 28 strikes.

"I am looking forward to a great clash between two teams with a magnificent record in Europe," says Del Bosque.

VERY DANGEROUS

"Bayern are very solid at the back and have players that allow them to counter-attack with speed, which makes them very dangerous. But we are equal to them and I expect us to produce one of our top European performances."

Bayern Munich head to Madrid after an efficient, if uninspired, 1-0 victory over Freiburg on Saturday which leaves them behind Schalke 04 on goal difference at the top of the Bundesliga and still in with a chance of retaining their title.

"Next Tuesday will be full of suspense," promised Hitzfeld.

"The victory over Freiburg was important for our championship chances. A performance like that might work against Freiburg but not against Real. The players are aware of this and I'm pretty optimistic heading to Madrid," he said.

"It's extremely important to us to score an away goal. We know Madrid have problems in their defence and we have to make use of that," he added.

Midfielder Jens Jeremies, who has had knee problems, looks likely to be fit in time for the Madrid match.

Brazilian striker Elber, who had a knee operation only nine days ago, looked in good shape as he came off the bench and made a lot of running and was unlucky not to mark his return with a goal.

Probable teams:
Bayern Munich: 1-Oliver Kahn; 4-Sammy Kuffour, 5-Patrik Andersson, 25-Thomas Linke: 2-Willy Sagnol, 6-Jens Jeremies, 11-Stefan Effenberg (capt), 18-Michael Tarnat; 19-Carsten Jancker, 9-Elber, 7-Mehmet Scholl

Real Madrid: 25-Iker Casillas; 2-Michel Salgado, 18-Aitor Karanka, 4-Fernando Hierro (capt), 3-Roberto Carlos; 6-Ivan Helguera, 24-Claude Makelele, 10-Luis Figo, 8-Steve McManaman; 7-Raul, 14-Guti Referee: Hugh Dallas (Scotland)