Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid live updates: Champions League ...

This season’s Champions League semi-finals pit two runaway leaders against two sides way off the pace in their respective domestic divisions.

Not many would have placed Bayern Munich in that latter group when the games began back in the summer, but as they prepare to face a Real Madrid team 13 points clear in La Liga and on the brink of winning their 36th Spanish title, they know that a 34th domestic crown of their own is mathematically out of reach, with Bayer Leverkusen already champions and 12 points ahead of them with three games to go.

The Champions League is Bayern’s only remaining hope of silverware this season, as if a final-four clash with 14-times winners Madrid needed any more pressure attached to it. It’s been 12 years since the German side last went trophyless, in which time their semi-final opponents have won five Champions Leagues.

The Athletic previews two meetings of European royalty, beginning in Bavaria tonight, with reputations on the line.