
Spoelstra: No need to penalize Ball any further
Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
Bayern Munich leads Real Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League quarterfinals and aims to secure a spot in the semifinals. With a full squad and recent success in the Bundesliga, Bayern is in strong form, while Madrid faces pressure to avoid another trophyless season.
MUNICH (AP) — Bayern Munich is primed to finish the job against embattled Real Madrid to reach the Champions League semifinals on the way to a potential treble of trophies from an outstanding season. The Bavarian powerhouse holds a 2-1 lead over Madrid from the first leg of their quarterfinal last week, and coach Vincent Kompany has a full squad at his disposal with no injuries after Bayern smashed the Bundesliga goals record with a 5-0 rout of St. Pauli at the weekend. That victory put Bayern within touching distance of yet another league title – the 13th in 14 years – while it faces Bayer Leverkusen in the semifinals of the German Cup on April 22. Bayern’s excellence contrasts sharply with Madrid’s troubles. The 15-time European champion faces the prospect of a second consecutive season without a trophy unless it beats Bayern away by two goals in what is sure to be a hostile environment in Munich. Madrid was held 1-1 at home by Girona at the weekend, allowing Barcelona to open a nine-point lead in La Liga, after its third straight game without a win. Kylian Mbappé received a blow to his face at the end of that match but will be able to play as Madrid attempts a famed “remontada” (comeback) to salvage the tie and keep alive its hopes of a trophy in the competition that defines the club. “We are the team that never gives up,” coach Álvaro Arbeloa said. \\\_ AP soccer:
Bayern Munich holds a 2-1 lead over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals.
Bayern Munich will face Bayer Leverkusen in the semifinals of the German Cup on April 22.
Real Madrid must beat Bayern Munich by at least two goals to advance in the Champions League.

Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
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