REAL MADRID are now the Champions League favourites but it would be foolish to write off a dangerous Bayern Munich side as the European heavyweights prepare to slug it out in the semis.
The Bernabeu giants were outsiders themselves in the quarter-finals but showed great character to end Manchester City's reign as kings of Europe, eventually progressing on penalties at the Etihad.
Bet365 now price Real Madrid at just 7/5 to lift the European Cup for a 15th time, with Bayern Munich at 11/4 after they edged out Arsenal in the last eight.
Both sides are free to concentrate on the Champions League in the final few weeks of the season, with Carlo Ancelotti's men clear at the top of La Liga and Bayern having already surrendered their Bundesliga crown to Leverkusen.
It has been a poor season by Bayern Munich's high standards, but manager Thomas Tuchel still has the chance to end his reign on a high by helping them rule Europe for a seventh time.
And the German has a good record at the business end of the Champions League, having finished as runner-up with PSG in 2020 before lifting the trophy a year later as Chelsea manager.
But Ancelotti's CV has four Champions League triumphs on it and few managers are better at delivering on the big stage. He has already guided Real Madrid to glory twice in this tournament, and it would take a brave man to bet against him, making it a hat-trick this season.
How the bookies view it: Real Madrid odds-on to reach final
There isn't much between these sides if they both hit top form but the bookies make Real Madrid heavy favourites to reach the final at a best 8/15 with Ladbrokes. Bayern Munich will tempt a few punters at 6/4 with Bet365 in the same market.
For a win on the night in Germany, Tuchel's side are favourites at 29/20 with BetMGM while the Bernabeu giants are 2/1 with Coral and the draw pays 11/4 at BetUK.
Head to head: Three in a woe for Bayern Munich
These teams have faced off three times in the Champions League in the past decade, and Real Madrid have come out on top each time. The last two clashes have been thrillers, with the Spaniards needing extra time to seal a 6-3 aggregate win in 2017 before winning 4-3 over two legs just a year later.
The overall head-to-head has been much closer, with 13 Real Madrid victories, 12 Bayern Munich triumphs and just three draws.
Players to watch: Kane out to crown impressive debut season in Bavaria
Harry Kane has been a shrewd signing for Bayern Munich and the England captain took his tally for the season to 46 goals with a weekend double against Frankfurt. The striker is desperate to win his first major trophy and is 13/10 with Bet365 for anytime scorer.
Vinicius Junior delivered for me when I tipped him to either score or assist in the first leg of their clash with Manchester City. The Brazilian was rested at the weekend so will be fresh for the fight and the same bet pays 11/10 at Paddy Power for this game.
Probable lineups
Matthijs de Ligt and Konrad Laimer both went off injured at the weekend for Bayern Munich, who were already without Jamal Musiala and Dayot Upamecano. Leroy Sane is also a doubt but Serge Gnabry is expected to be fit.
Real Madrid have no fresh injuries worries, with Jude Bellingham an unused sub in Friday's win over Real Sociedad after suffering from illness. But Dani Carvajal will miss out with a suspension.
Bayern Munich: Neuer; Kimmich, Dier, Min-Jae, Davies; Goretzka, Guerreiro, Muller; Gnabry, Tel, Kane.
Real Madrid: Lunin, Nacho, Camavinga, Rudiger, Mendy; Bellingham, Kroos , Tchouameni; Valverde, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo.
Anything else catch the eye? Expect another Champions League thriller
All of the quarter-finals provided plenty of goals, and this semi-final should be no different, with both teams possessing plenty of firepower. BTTS is just 4/7 with William Hill but the odds increase to 19/20 at Coral if you combine it with over 2.5 goals.
Real Madrid haven't been winning many corners lately, with just seven in total across their last four games. That suggests backing Bayern for most corners stands a chance at 49/50 with Unibet, while backing the Germans at -1 in that handicap boosts the odds to 29/20 with the same firm.
Aurelien Tchouameni should be at the heart of Real Madrid's midfield battle, and the Frenchman looks decent value at 12/5 with Paddy Power to commit over 1.5 fouls.
This UEFA Champions League match between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid will be played on Apr 30, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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