No favourites in Munich

Managers Zinedine Zidane and Jupp Heynckes both believe tonight’s blockbuster semi-final between holders Real Madrid and Bayern Munich is wide open.

The two sides, both giants of the European game, meet in the first leg of their eagerlyanticipated last four tie at the Allianz Arena.

Madrid, who are bidding for a 13th European crown and a third in succession, beat the Germans in last year’s quarter-finals but coach Zidane insists that counts for nothing.

The Frenchman, speaking at a press conference covered by Uefa.com, said: “I don’t think there are any favourites. It’s a semi-final – it’s completely different to last season. It’s a different match.

“We will need a big performance against a strong opponent. Bayern are a great club with great team spirit.

“I have no doubts that mentally we will be at 150%.”

Heynckes echoed those thoughts as he conducted his pre-match media duties.

The veteran German said: “Both of our teams will provide us with attractive football.

“There are big players and it will be an open game.

“For me there is no favourite but I have a good feeling.

“We have had success in the Bundesliga, reached the final of the cup and we want to cap that with the final of the Champions League.”