Real Madrid Hosts Bayern Munich in Champions League Quarter-Final
Real Madrid will host Bayern Munich in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. English referee Michael Oliver will officiate the match, which marks the 29th clash between the two clubs in European competitions. Real Madrid holds a slight historical edge with 13 wins to Bayern's 11, along with four draws.
Real Madrid has won 12 of its last 14 Champions League knockout stage matches and lost just once in 25 home games against German teams. The Spanish side advanced past Manchester City with a 5-1 aggregate victory in the previous round but suffered a 2-1 league defeat to Mallorca last time out. It sits second in La Liga, seven points behind leader Barcelona.
Bayern Munich, meanwhile, has only two defeats in 43 games this season. The German champions eliminated Atalanta 10-2 on aggregate and sit top of the Bundesliga by nine points following a 3-2 win over Freiburg. However, Bayern has lost four of its last five quarter-final appearances.
Injuries will impact both sides. Real Madrid will be without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and forward Rodrygo, with the fitness of defender Ferland Mendy and midfielder Dani Ceballos uncertain. Bayern has several players sidelined, and striker Harry Kane's status remains unclear.
Key matchups include Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, who has 13 Champions League goals this season, against Kane, who has 10. Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa described Bayern as one of Europe's readiest teams. Bayern coach Vincent Kompany called the fixture a dream game.
Know more about this story?
If you have additional information or believe something is inaccurate, let us know. Your tips help us stay accurate.
Sources (1)
More in International
US Negotiates with African, Asian Countries for Afghan Refugees in Qatar Camp
CSTO Afghanistan Working Group Expresses Concern Over Terrorism, Drug Trafficking Despite Taliban Actions
Turkish Police Detain 18 Afghan Migrants in Tokat Province
US and Iran Agree to Two-Week Ceasefire Mediated by Pakistan
ReliableUS Negotiates with African, Asian Countries for Afghan Refugees in Qatar Camp
The Wall Street Journal reports the US is negotiating with two African countries and one Asian country to relocate over 1,000 Afghan refugees from Qatar's costly Al Siliya camp, amid closure demands and repatriation offers of $1,200-$4,500 per family member.
ReliableCSTO Afghanistan Working Group Expresses Concern Over Terrorism, Drug Trafficking Despite Taliban Actions
The CSTO's Afghanistan Working Group, meeting in Moscow on 19 Hamal, voiced concerns over rising terrorist activities and drug trafficking in Afghanistan despite Taliban efforts, urging coordinated anti-terrorism measures, humanitarian aid and monitoring. Participants approved a 2026 work plan as CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov highlighted ongoing threats to member states.
ReliableTurkish Police Detain 18 Afghan Migrants in Tokat Province
Turkish police in Tokat province detained 18 Afghan migrants hidden in a cargo truck carrying dates and pistachio oil, arresting the driver for suspected smuggling. The migrants, who entered irregularly via Iran, were sent to a removal center for deportation.
ReliableUS and Iran Agree to Two-Week Ceasefire Mediated by Pakistan
The United States and Iran have reached a two-week ceasefire agreement mediated by Pakistan, with U.S. President Donald Trump accepting Iran's 10-point plan and Iran conditioning the deal on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials including Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei were involved in the final negotiations.