Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid: Champions League semi-final first leg live

Build-up to the game

Todays match marks the 27th meeting between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid making it the most frequently played match in Champions League history.

Both teams have a rich history in this competition, with Bayern Munich having won the trophy six times and Real Madrid having won it a record 13 times.

The first leg of the semi-final will be played at the Allianz Arena in Munich, with the second leg being played at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid next week.

Team news

Bayern Munich will be without the suspended Thomas Muller and Jerome Boateng, while Real Madrid will be without the injured Gareth Bale and Dani Carvajal.

Both teams are expected to field strong sides, with Bayern Munich likely to start with Manuel Neuer in goal, Joshua Kimmich, Mats Hummels, Niklas Sule and David Alaba in defence, Thiago Alcantara, Javi Martinez and James Rodriguez in midfield, and Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller and Kingsley Coman in attack.

Real Madrid are expected to start with Keylor Navas in goal, Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane and Marcelo in defence, Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in midfield, and Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Isco in attack.

Match preview

This is a match that is likely to be close and could go either way.

Bayern Munich have been in excellent form in recent weeks, winning their last six matches in all competitions.

Real Madrid have also been in good form, winning their last four matches in all competitions.

However, Real Madrid have a good record against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, having won three of their last four meetings.

This is a match that could go either way, but Real Madrid will be slight favourites to win.

Live coverage

You can follow live text commentary of the match on our website.

You can also listen to live radio commentary of the match on 5 Live.

Conclusion

This is a match that is not to be missed. Two of the best teams in the world will be going head-to-head in a match that could have a major impact on the outcome of the Champions League.