Master, pupil scenario set to delight

– The last time Real Madrid met Bayern Munich in a long and storied rivalry three years ago, Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti (left) sat side-by-side celebrating one of their finest European nights.

Back then Zidane was Ancelotti’s assistant as together they ended a 12-year wait for Madrid’s 10th European Cup.

Now, discarded by Real, Ancelotti is aiming to end Madrid’s reign as European champions.

Zidane, meanwhile, is tasked with plotting the downfall of his old boss and mentor in tonight’s Champions League quarterfinal, first leg.

“It will be master against pupil for sure,” Zidane said after the draw was made. “I was his assistant, I learned a lot from him.

“He is someone that I appreciate a lot and who was appreciated here (in Madrid) a lot.”

That appreciation wasn’t enough for Real president Florentino Perez, who sacked Ancelotti just a year after winning the Champions League in 2015.

His replacement Rafael Benitez lasted barely seven months in charge before also being dismissed, handing Zidane his first senior managerial role.

The move appears to have been a masterstroke as Zidane too won the Champions League last season. – AFP