Real Madrid and Bayern Munich meet in the Champions League tonight, a regular rivalry dubbed the European Cl\u00e1sico.<\/p>\n
The teams boast 21 European Cup successes between them and are perennial contenders for success in this competition. Ahead of their quarter-final first leg, we\u2019ve put together a Combined XI from the two squads.<\/p>\n
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Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer \u2013 Bayern Munich<\/p>\n
Thibaut Courtois\u2019 absence is a big blow for Real Madrid, with Andriy Lunin set to deputise. Bayern are boosted by the return of Manuel Neuer, with the German great a colossal presence on the pitch and in the dressing room.<\/p>\n
Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold \u2013 Real Madrid<\/p>\n
Trent Alexander-Arnold\u2019s time in the Spanish capital has not yet reached the heights of his Liverpool career, but the Real right-back is a unique talent. Alexander-Arnold\u2019s expansive passing is a real weapon and something the Spaniards will hope can unlock Europe\u2019s top teams. His duel with former Liverpool teammate Luis Diaz will be fascinating.<\/p>\n
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Centre-back: Eder Militao \u2013 Real Madrid<\/p>\n
Alvaro Arbeloa has made no secret of his delight at the return of Eder Militao from injury. So highly rated is Militao with the Real Madrid boss that he called the centre-back arguably the world\u2019s best last week.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn top form, he\u2019s arguably the best centre-back in the world,\u201d Arbeloa said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s an exceptional centre-back due to his physical prowess, his abilities, his intelligence, and his leadership.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe will help us and contribute a lot. He is a game-changing player. I\u2019m very happy to have him back because he will be crucial for this final stretch of the season and for fighting for everything.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Centre-back: Dayot Upamecano \u2013 Bayern Munich<\/p>\n
Dayot Upamecano ended speculation over his future by signing a new deal at Bayern Munich earlier this season. It\u2019s a massive boost for Bayern, with the Frenchman a huge part of the club\u2019s spine. An undisputed starter with France, despite the nation\u2019s defensive depth, highlights how highly he is regarded.<\/p>\n
Left-back: Konrad Laimer \u2013 Bayern Munich<\/p>\n
An underrated part of the Bayern side who is enjoying his best-ever period in Munich. Laimer has evolved from midfield depth to a reliable full-back, scoring three times and providing five assists in 18 league starts.<\/p>\n
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Midfield: Joshua Kimmich \u2013 Bayern Munich<\/p>\n
The general of the German side. Kimmich is the controller in midfield for Bayern, and a leader for Vincent Kompany. He\u2019s played in games of this magnitude regularly and will want to lead by example.<\/p>\n
Midfield: Federico Valverde \u2013 Real Madrid<\/p>\n
Kimmich against Federico Valverde might be one of the duels of the tie. The latter was exceptional in the elimination of Manchester City in the last round, with a first-half hat-trick in the first leg at the Bernabeu. The Uruguayan is one of the best box-to-box presences on the planet.<\/p>\n
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Right-wing: Michael Olise \u2013 Bayern Munich<\/p>\n
Bayern Munich\u2019s chief creator, Michael Olise, has his sights set on records this season. The Frenchman\u2019s already provided 28 assists in all competitions, just three short of matching the record for a single season across Europe\u2019s top five leagues this century.<\/p>\n
Left-wing: Vinicius Junior \u2013 Real Madrid<\/p>\n
A real tough selection with Luis Diaz having an outstanding debut season at Bayern, but Vinicius often rises to the occasion in Europe. He has 60 goals and assists in 80 career appearances in the Champions League, including 12 in 12 games this season.<\/p>\n
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Forward: Harry Kane \u2013 Bayern Munich<\/p>\n
The leading scorer in European football this season. Harry Kane has hit 31 goals in the Bundesliga so far, and 48 across all competitions. It\u2019s a career-best campaign from Kane, who might be the finest finisher in world football right now.<\/p>\n
Forward: Kylian Mbappe \u2013 Real Madrid<\/p>\n
Kane might be leading the European Golden Shoe race, but it\u2019s Mbappe who is out in front in the Champions League. The Frenchman has scored 13 goals in nine games, averaging a Champions League goal every 56 minutes. He\u2019s determined to end his elusive wait for club football\u2019s biggest prize.<\/p>\n
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