Big Champions League nights take place every year in April and May. The 2026 quarter-finals will see the classic between FC Bayern and Real Madrid. After many years, Munich finally want to have the better end for themselves.
Bayern have the reputation of “La bestia negra” at Real Madrid, but this nickname has suffered considerably in recent years. “Then it’s about time,” said sporting director Max Eberl in response to the fact that Bayern’s last win against the Whites came in the semi-final first leg in 2012, which was enough to see them through. Since then, Munich have played Real nine times without success, losing to them in 2014, 2017, 2018 and 2024. Three times in the semi-finals, once in the quarter-finals.
This will be the 14th time the giants have met in a knockout round. FC Bayern came five times, Real Madrid eight times. Most recently, three times, but always with the second leg at the legendary and feared Bernabeu. This time it will be different, as Munich have the slight advantage that the second game will take place at the Allianz Arena on April 15.
With this starting position, Bayern have twice failed to progress against Real, but have done so three times. Including in 2001 on the way to the Champions League triumph, which celebrates its 25th silver jubilee in the spring. Can that be interpreted as a good omen? Rather, it will depend on the performance on the pitch, but even in this respect, Bayern need not be afraid of the Whites, despite all their respect.
Meeting of the two top scorers
Harry Kane, who scored his ninth and tenth goals of the season in the 4-1 second-leg win over Atalanta Bergamo, agrees: “We’ll be ready. We don’t fear anyone.” It sounds like a crude challenge, but of course the Englishman is aware of the difficulty of the task: “When you play Real Madrid in the Champions League, you always have to expect a tough opponent. You have to be ready for a fight and to play in a certain way.”
Only Real’s Kylian Mbappé has scored more goals than Kane with 13, so this will be a summit of the top scorers, a clash of several top stars on both sides. Real may have the bigger names, Bayern the stronger collective based on impressions this season. Who will come out on top? Completely open, form on the day, luck here, bad luck there. Perhaps, but hopefully not, the referees could also play a role.
Both clubs will have to see how they come out of the upcoming international break, how quickly they find their top form. And they have to hope that all their stars are available. It doesn’t look bad for Bayern. Manuel Neuer, Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala are likely to return, so there are plenty of alternatives for coach Vincent Kompany. His team scores enough goals and will have to defend with great concentration and avoid conceding cheap goals to progress.
“The higher the level, the better they get”
Football Europe can rejoice. For the loser, the quarter-finals will mean an early exit from this competition. The winner, on the other hand, will face the next giants in the semi-finals, defending champions Paris St. Germain or Liverpool FC.
All that remains is Kompany’s statement, and as almost always, it’s worth listening to him carefully. That’s why he said in detail: “When you play against Real Madrid, everything is big – for both clubs. Who is the better team at the moment doesn’t play the biggest role. The history of these clubs is enormous and the quality on the pitch will be something very special. It’s often the case against Real: the higher the level, the better they get. That’s why I’m expecting an absolute top match. We want to give the fans – including the neutrals – a great game and, of course, win in the end. No matter who we play: If we press high, then everyone has to get involved. That’s crucial. At the same time, we can also defend compactly and stay calm. Against an opponent like this, you need players with confidence – and we have that confidence.”
The game is just under three weeks away. Until then, patience is required from those involved and fans, and the tension will increase the closer the match gets.
