Meeting between Bayern and Madrid rich in history
MADRID — They are two of the biggest soccer clubs in the world, both with enough trophies to fill a warehouse.
They are Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. On Wednesday, the giants of European soccer will meet yet again in the Champions League semifinals. The first leg is in Munich. It will be the seventh time they have played each other at this stage in the tournament’s history, with Bayern winning four of those previous six.
Here’s a look at some of their memorable matchups:
2017 quarter-finals
Their most recent meeting went Madrid’s way, thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portugal forward scored both goals in Madrid’s 2-1 win in Munich, and he then had a hat trick in the return match to give the hosts a 6-3 aggregate victory. Two of Ronaldo’s goals came in extra time in the second leg at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, keeping Madrid on track to winning its third title in four seasons.
2014 semifinals
Even with Pep Guardiola calling the shots for Bayern, Madrid eliminated the German team 5-0 on aggregate on its way to another title. Karim Benzema scored the winner in the 1-0 victory in Madrid. The Spanish team then won 4-0 in Munich to hand Bayern its worst European home defeat.
2012 semifinals
Coached by Jupp Heynckes, Bayern got the best of Madrid on penalties after each side recorded a 2-1 home victory. An early goal by Franck Ribery and a late winner by Mario Gomez put Bayern ahead in the series, but Madrid rebounded with two goals by Ronaldo in the first 15 minutes of the second leg before Arjen Robben pulled one back for Bayern before halftime. Neither team could score after regulation and Bayern eventually won the penalty shootout, 3-1.
2007 last 16
Bayern eliminated Madrid on away goals after a 4-4 aggregate draw. Madrid won 3-2 in the first leg at home, when Raul Gonzalez scored twice, but Bayern advanced with a 2-1 win in Munich after Roy Makaay scored 10 seconds into the match.
2004 last 16
Zinedine Zidane, the current Madrid coach, scored the decisive goal that allowed the Spanish team to advance. Zidane beat goalkeeper Oliver Kahn with a shot from inside the area. The first leg in Munich ended in a 1-1 draw.