Bayern vs Real Madrid: Hoeneß on Treble Chances & Title Race

Bayern Munich Honorary President Uli Hoeneß has expressed confidence in the club’s chances of winning the Bundesliga, stating, “I would say, we will be German champions.” The declaration comes as Bayern currently hold a nine-point lead over Borussia Dortmund at the top of the league table with nine matchdays remaining.

However, Hoeneß cautioned against overconfidence regarding a potential treble-winning season, describing such expectations as “too optimistic.” He highlighted the challenges that lie ahead, particularly in the DFB-Pokal, where Bayern are scheduled to face Bayer Leverkusen in the semi-finals in April. He acknowledged the upcoming match against Leverkusen “will be tough.”

Bayern’s prospects in the Champions League also appear promising. The club recently dispatched Atalanta Bergamo 10-2 on aggregate in the round of 16, eliminating the team that previously defeated Borussia Dortmund. Crucially, Bayern will have both Joshua Kimmich and Michael Olise available for their quarter-final matches against Real Madrid, as the pair have now served suspensions stemming from yellow card accumulation.

The availability of Kimmich and Olise represents a boost for Bayern, particularly as several Real Madrid players enter the quarter-final first leg with existing yellow card cautions. Reports also suggest that Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, may be sidelined due to injury.

Hoeneß’s comments may also reflect on Bayern’s past encounters with Real Madrid in the Champions League knockout stages. The club has historically struggled against the Spanish giants, losing the last three knockout ties. This year, however, Bayern will have the advantage of playing the second leg of the quarter-final at the Allianz Arena.

Joshua Kimmich recently identified Thomas Müller as the best Bayern Munich player he has played with, according to Bavarian Football Works. Kimmich’s remarks came amidst some controversy surrounding his comments about Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, which drew criticism from some Bayern supporters, as reported by Liverpool.com.

UEFA has confirmed it will not punish Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich and Michael Olise for the yellow cards they received in the previous round, according to Bavarian Football Works.