One of the great European rivalries resumes when Real Madrid host Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night for the first leg of their 2025-26 UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie.
The most-played fixture in UEFA competition's history (this will be their 29th encounter) ought to be a cracker with much at stake for both sides.
Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa was in no doubt of the task ahead of him, telling UEFA.com: "Bayern are one of the most in-form teams in Europe with the way they play football and the level they have. As we always say: if you want to be European champions, you have to beat the best."
And the feeling was mutual for Bayern boss Vincent Kompany, who told UEFA.com: "Every club would live for these games. I think we have a good level of respect for Real Madrid; we understand what type of club it is. Of course, you have to bring your own confidence. As a neutral, I'd watch it."
Here's everything you need to know about the match.
How to watch
The match will be broadcast on Tuesday on HBO Max and Prime Video in the UK, Paramount+ in the U.S., SonyLiv in India and Stan Sport in Australia. You can also follow ESPN's live coverage here.
Key Details
Kick-off time: Tuesday, April 7 at 8 p.m. BST (3 p.m. ET; 12:30 a.m. IST and 5 a.m. AEST
Venue: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Referee: Michael Oliver (England)
VAR: Jarred Gillett (England)
Injury News
Real Madrid
Thibault Courtois, GK: OUT, thigh Ferland Mendy, D: DOUBT (back in training) Dani Ceballos, M: DOUBT, thigh Rodrygo, F: OUT, knee
Bayern Munich
Sven Ulreich, GK: OUT, muscle Harry Kane, F: DOUBT, ankle
Talking Points
Mbappe and Kane Getty Kylian Mbappé vs Harry Kane 13 goals vs 10 goals in the Champions League (number one and number two in the UCL golden boot race). 23 goals vs 31 goals in their respective leagues (number two and number one in the European golden shoe race). Kylian Mbappé vs Harry Kane has been some tribute to the goalscoring overlords this season and they now face each other with more than a point to prove.
Both are desperate to win the Champions League; both are desperate to win the golden boot that whoever advances will be favorite for; both are desperate for the kind of glory that comes with dominating a big game... and both are a slight doubt for this game.