Munich (Germany) (AFP) – Bayern Munich suffered a blow before Wednesday’s mouth-watering Champions League quarter-final clash at home to Real Madrid with top-scorer Robert Lewandowski ruled out by a bruised shoulder.
His absence confirmed reports earlier in the day that the Poland hot-shot, who has netted 38 goals this season including seven in the Champions League, failed to recover after injuring his shoulder last Saturday.
In Lewandowski’s absence, Germany forward Thomas Mueller plays as striker after missing the last ten days with an ankle injury.
Manuel Neuer is back between the posts for Bayern for the first time since having a minor foot operation two weeks ago.
Munich police confirmed the two teams had “arrived safely” at the Allianz Arena amidst heightened security following the attacks on the Borussia Dortmund team bus on Tuesday.
The team buses of both clubs was escorted to the ground by a convoy of police vehicles while a helicopter hovered overhead.
Real’s right-back Dani Carvajal returns to the defending champions starting line-up after recovering from a knock.
Cristiano Ronaldo leads Real’s star-studded attack with the Portugal star just two short of becoming the first player to reach the milestone of 100 European goals.
Starting line-ups in the Champions League quarter-final first leg between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday (kick-off 1845 GMT):
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Manuel Neuer – David Alaba, Jerome Boateng, Javi Martinez, Philipp Lahm – Arturo Vidal, Xabi Alonso – Franck Ribery, Thiago Alcantara, Arjen Robben – Thomas Mueller
Coach: Carlo Ancelotti (ITA)
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Keylor Navas – Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, Nacho, Dani Carvajal – Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Luka Modric – Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale
Coach: Zinedine Zidane (FRA)
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (ITA)
