Belief, History, and Another Night in Munich: Real Madrid Prepare for Bayern Showdown

MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 15: General view inside the stadium before the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Real Madrid CF at Football Arena Munich on April 15, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Kevin Voigt/GettyImages) | Getty Images

Munich is buzzing, and so is Real Madrid.

On the night of a decisive Champions League clash at the Allianz Arena, the mood around the Spanish giants is one of belief—unshakable, almost defiant belief. It starts at the very top. Florentino Pérez arrived at the board meeting calm, smiling, and projecting quiet confidence. When asked about the possibility of a comeback, his response was simple and telling: “That’s what we’re here for.”

That sentiment has echoed throughout the club in recent days. From the boardroom to the dressing room, Real Madrid are leaning into their identity—the one built on nights like these. Álvaro Arbeloa has reinforced that message internally, repeating: “If anyone can win in Munich, it’s Real Madrid.” For him, the key is psychological as much as tactical: “The important thing is that my players believe.”

And they do.

Kylian Mbappé added fuel to that growing wave of confidence with a one-word message on social media: “Ready.” It’s reflective of a squad that isn’t just hopeful—it’s convinced. Around 3,100 Madridistas will be inside the Allianz Arena, with thousands more filling the streets of Munich, carrying that same conviction.

Bayern’s Caution

Despite holding the advantage from the first leg, Bayern Munich are not taking anything for granted.

CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen struck a less confident tone ahead of kickoff, acknowledging the pressure on Madrid while refusing to underestimate them: “Real Madrid is under more pressure, but we still have to work very hard to win tonight.”

Even with a lead, Bayern remain wary. “Anyone who has listened to the players these past few days knows they are completely focused. They won’t be satisfied with the first leg result.”

The Allianz Arena crowd will play its part, as always. “The fans play a very important role. The support at the Allianz Arena is extraordinary, and I’m sure they’ll give that extra push tonight.”

But history lingers in the background—and not in Bayern’s favor. “We haven’t won against Real Madrid the last four times we’ve played at home, so history is definitely important. We’re paying close attention.”

And when it comes to identifying Madrid’s biggest threat, Dreesen didn’t even try: “It’s difficult. They have so many fantastic players. Both strikers are incredible. I don’t want to mention just one.”

The Scene in Munich

If belief could be measured, Munich would be overflowing.

From Marienplatz to Viktualienmarkt, thousands of Madrid fans have taken over the city center. The white shirts are everywhere. So are Turkish flags—clear evidence of Arda Güler’s growing support, amplified by Germany’s large Turkish community.

Outside the team hotel, crowds gathered hours before departure, hoping for a glimpse of the players. The atmosphere feels like a final, not a quarter-final.

And yet, not everyone made it.

A Lufthansa strike has disrupted travel plans, leaving roughly 200 Madrid fans stranded. Others have taken complicated routes, connecting through cities like Rome just to arrive in time. Even so, the away allocation—around 4,000 tickets—is essentially sold out, a testament to the demand for a night like this.

The Tactical Puzzle

On the pitch, Arbeloa has decisions to make.

Aurélien Tchouaméni’s suspension forces a reshuffle in midfield, opening the door to a more attacking setup. Güler and Brahim Díaz are both strong candidates to start alongside Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham.

How that midfield functions remains one of the biggest unknowns. Will Valverde shift centrally? Where does Brahim fit—left or right? Could Bellingham or Güler take on deeper responsibilities?

Arbeloa has options—and he knows it: “We have many options and many players who can play where Tchouameni plays, not just one. I think several: Camavinga, Thiago, Ceballos, Valverde… we have many options to play where Tchouameni plays, and I’m really calm. I know the starting eleven I’m going to field tomorrow.”

What is certain is the attack: Vinícius Jr. and Mbappé will lead the line in a must-win scenario.

History vs Identity

The numbers paint a difficult picture.

Real Madrid have only twice gone to Munich trailing in a knockout tie—and both times, they were eliminated (1976, 2001). Bayern’s home defensive record this season is also formidable, conceding just three goals in the Champions League.

But numbers don’t tell the whole story.

Because whenever Madrid have won in Munich—2014, 2017, 2018, and 2024—they’ve gone on to lift the trophy. Every time.

Arbeloa summed it up best after the first leg: “Anyone who doesn’t believe can stay in Madrid, because we’re going all out.