Real Madrid and Bayern Munich meet in the UEFA Champions League 2025-26 quarterfinal first leg on Wednesday(India), with the match kicking off at 12:30 AM IST. This is the 29th clash between these two popular clubs in UEFA competition, the most contested fixture in Champions League history and the match is being played at the Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain. Both of the sides arrive in form. Vincent Kompany's Bayern Munich are unbeaten in their last 5 matches, while Alvaro Arbeloa's Real Madrid have won 4 of their last 5. Madrid beat Manchester City 2-1 in the Round of 16, while Bayern dismantled Atalanta 4-1 in their pre-quarterfinal clash. On paper, this is as even a quarterfinal as the draw could have produced.

Injury Concerns On Both Sides

Real Madrid head into the first leg without Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo, both of the players are ruled out through injury. There is also uncertainty over Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos, with fitness concerns around both players yet to be fully resolved. Andriy Lunin is expected to start in goal. For Bayern, the absences of Sven Ulreich and David Santos are unwanted concerns, though Manuel Neuer's presence between the posts remains a stabilising factor.

 

The predicted lineups have Madrid lining up with Lunin in goal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, Pablo Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras across the back four, with Arda Guler, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga in midfield. Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior lead the attack. 

 

Whereas, the Bayern are expected to field Neuer, Josip Stanisic, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah and Dario Bischof in defence, Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic in the middle, with Michael Olise, Serge Gnabry, Angel Diaz and Harry Kane ahead of them.

What The Numbers Say

The head-to-head record across all 28 previous UEFA meetings stands at Madrid 13 wins, Bayern 11, with 4 draws. Madrid have won the last four two-legged ties between the clubs, including a 4-3 aggregate victory in the 2023-24 Champions League semifinals. They have also won all three previous Champions League quarterfinal encounters between the sides, in 1987-88, 2001-02 and 2016-17.

 

Furthermore, Madrid's overall record in European Cup quarterfinals reads W33 L7. This is a stage they own. Last season's defeat by Arsenal ended a run of 12 consecutive wins at this stage, but the team has still won 12 of their last 14 Champions League knockout ties. They have also lost only 1 of their last 25 UEFA home matches against German clubs- W19 D5. 

 

On the other hand, Bayern have lost 4 of their last 5 Champions League quarterfinal ties. The historical weight of this fixture leans heavily towards the hosts.

 

Apart from that, for Indian fans like myself, this is a match worth staying up for even if you've your office at 9 tomorrow. The Bernabeu at night, Mbappe and Vinicius against Kane and Olise, the quality on the pitch justifies the late start.

How To Watch Live

This match is going to be televised live in India on the Sony Sports Network. Live streaming is available on the SonyLiv app and website. Kickoff is at 12:30 AM IST on Wednesday.