Bayern has to be fearless to avoid a reprise of 2017

Arjen Robben says Bayern Munich can ill afford to show Real Madrid any fear if it wants to avoid a second-straight Champions League exit against the Spaniards.

Bayern hosts Real at Allianz Arena in Wednesday’s blockbuster semifinal, first leg, in a repeat of last year’s quarterfinal. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in each leg of that quarterfinals, after Bayern had failed to capitalise on its chances at home, as Real won 6-3 on aggregate.

“Last year we did not do well in the home game and played with a bit of fear,” said Robben. “That should not happen on Wednesday. “We’ll be ready. They can also be vulnerable and we can go into the game with our heads high.”

A year ago, Bayern lost the first-leg 2-1 in Munich, then went down 4-2 away. In Munich, Arturo Vidal scored early for Bayern, but then failed to convert a penalty with the Germans controlling the game and Real on the ropes.

However the match turned as Ronaldo netted two second-half goals and Bayern had Javi Martinez sent off for a second booking.

Bayern went down fighting in the return, having played extra time with a man down after Vidal was sent off late on and Ronaldo wrapped up his hat-trick.

The Germans face a daunting task again. Madrid has won its last five matches against Bayern, scoring 13 goals and conceding four in the process, and is bidding to triumph for the third straight season.

Goal-machine

It is easy to understand any nervousness in Bayern’s ranks facing Portuguese superstar Ronaldo. Real’s goal-machine, who has hit seven goals in his last three appearances against Bayern, has scored 15 goals in the Champions League this season alone.

Real had no match this weekend, but Bundesliga champion Bayern warmed up with a 3-0 win at Hannover. Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski both came off the bench to score second-half goals.

“The chances (against Real Madrid) look good,” said Muller. “We’ve hit a purple patch and the game is coming at the right time.”

Jupp Heynckes, who led Bayern to its 2013 treble, wants a place in the Champions League final on May 26 in Kiev before stepping down as head coach. The 72-year-old could bow out with the treble.

Probable line-ups:

Bayern (4-2-3-1): Ulreich; Kimmich, Boateng, Hummels, Alaba; Martinez, Thiago; Robben, Muller, Rodriguez; Lewandowski.

Real (4-3-3): Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo, Modric; Casemiro, Kroos; Isco, Benzema, Ronaldo.