Arjen Robben says Bayern Munich can ill afford to show Real
Madrid any fear if they want to avoid a second-straight
Champions League exit against the Spaniards.
Bayern host Real at Munich's Allianz Arena in Wednesday's
blockbuster semifinal, first leg, in a repeat of last year's
quarterfinal.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in each leg of the 2017
quarters, after Bayern had failed to capitalise on their chances
at home, as Real won 6-3 on aggregate.
"Last year we did not do well in the home game and played
with a bit of fear," said Robben.
"That should not happen on Wednesday.
"We'll be ready. They can also be vulnerable and we can go
into the game with our heads high."
A year ago, Bayern lost the first-leg 2-1 in Munich, then went
down 4-2 away.
In Munich, Arturo Vidal scored early for Bayern, but then failed
to convert a penalty with the Germans controlling the game
and Real on the ropes.
However the match turned as Ronaldo netted two second-half
goals and Bayern had Javi Martinez sent off for a second
booking.
Bayern went down fighting in the return, losing 4-2 away
having played extra time with a man down after Vidal was
sent off late on and Ronaldo wrapped up his hat-trick.
The Germans face a daunting task again.
Madrid have won their last five matches against Bayern,
scoring 13 goals and conceding four in the process, and are
bidding to win the Champions League for the third straight
season.
It is easy to understand any nervousness in Bayern's ranks
facing superstar Ronaldo.
Real's goal-machine has hit seven goals in his last three
appearances against Bayern.
The Portugal superstar has scored 15 goals in the Champions
League this season alone.
Real had no match this weekend, but Bundesliga champions
Bayern warmed up with a 3-0 win at Hanover.
Thomas Mueller and Robert Lewandowski both came off the
bench to score second-half goals.
Bayern fancy their chances against Real.
Lewandowski, their top-scorer who was injured for last
season's first leg against Real, has hit 39 goals, compared to
Ronaldo's 42, in all competitions in 2017/18.
Bayern have scored 14 times in their last three games – with
Lewandowski and Mueller claiming four goals each.
"The chances (against Real Madrid) look good," said Mueller.
"We’ve hit a purple patch and the game is coming at the right
time.
"I’m sure we won’t be gifted anything, but there’s something
in the air right now."
Jupp Heynckes, who led Bayern to their 2013 treble, wants a
place in the Champions League final on May 26 in Kiev before
stepping down as head coach.
Just as he did in 2013, the 72-year-old could bow out with
the treble.
Bayern have already secured a sixth straight Bundesliga title
and are into the German Cup final on May 19.
"We have the big goal of moving into the final," said Heynckes
who will be replaced by Eintracht Frankfurt's Niko Kovac next
season.
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