Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has urged the home fans to create a special atmosphere when they host Spanish giants Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg at Allianz Arena on Tuesday (April 30), as his side chases a seventh European crown.
Bayern advanced into the last four of the Champions League for the first time since winning the tournament in 2020, while record 14-times champions Madrid last took home the trophy in 2022.
Joshua Kimmich scored the only goal in the quarter-final second leg at home to help Bayern beat Premier League side Arsenal 3-2 on aggregate.
“We need the atmosphere to be incredible. We also need the fans to support us, even in moments when it’s more difficult,” Tuchel told reporters on Monday April 29).
“You need the momentum, a bit of luck and you need the whole package if you want to overcome Real Madrid in the semi-final. We want to force things to a point where maybe this little luck is then the difference, but we cannot rely on it for that. It’s not big enough, so we have to push it and we feel ready for it,” Tuchel added.
Tuchel will have a few injury doubts to key players going into the clash, including 21-year-old playmaker Jamal Musiala, who has 12 goals and seven assists across all competitions this season.
Kimmich, 29, said the focus remains on putting Bayern in the best possible position for the second leg at Santiago Bernabeu on May 8.
“We’re in pretty good shape. I’m in good spirits.
Especially when I’ve seen our games against Arsenal, I think we can approach tomorrow’s game with confidence,” the midfielder added.
“I’m really looking forward to tomorrow. I think everyone in this room is probably looking forward to tomorrow as well. Every football fan in Europe and accordingly. Yes, it’s a really great feeling to play a semi-final against Real,” he said.
Harry Kane will also be going up against fellow England player Jude Bellingham, described by Tuchel as being: ‘dangerous’ and very ‘offensive.’
