UCL 2025-26 — Bayern in control, but injured Real Madrid could be dangerous, says Manuel Neuer

Chasing trebles, Bayern Munich have taken control of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid after a 2-1 win in the first leg but the Spanish giants, struggling for form, could prove dangerous with their backs against the wall, Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said on Tuesday.

The Bavarians host Real in the second leg on Wednesday, hoping to book a place in the semi-finals, as well as their place in the German Cup semi-finals and a 12-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga.

Real, after the Spanish Copa del Rey and second in La Liga, nine points behind Barcelona, ​​have only one realistic chance of a trophy.

«Yes, it is a big opportunity for Real to improve things,» Neuer said at a press conference. «It is currently a very difficult period for a club like Real. We have experienced it ourselves in the past. If you stand with your back against the wall, you can move mountains,» said Neuer.

But the Spaniards will face a Bayern team in top form. On Saturday, the team set a new all-time goals record in the Bundesliga with the 5-0 defeat of St. Pauli, taking their season total to 105 goals with five games remaining. The previous best figure was 101 goals in the 1971-72 campaign.

«We are currently in a flow. We still participate in all competitions and have everything in our own hands,» said Neuer. “We are in the driver’s seat.”

Bayern may be able to secure the league title this weekend if Borussia Dortmund makes a mistake against Hoffenheim on Saturday. It will also face Bayer Leverkusen in the semi-finals of the German Cup on April 22.

“We won the first game, but there is only one goal difference,” said the 40-year-old Neuer. «We know the fight we have to fight. But we have that one goal advantage.»

«Our motivation is sky high, so the starting point is good, but we cannot overestimate it. We have experienced how Real can hit back, but we are confident,» he said.

Published on April 14, 2026