Emilio Butragueno, former Real Madrid striker and current director of the club’s institutional relations, spoke to Sky Sport a few minutes before the match against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, valid for the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. These are his words, starting with Jude Bellingham: “He is a very complete player, with and without the ball. He has personality and is very young, which is why it is surprising that as soon as he arrived at Real Madrid he showed this character and this personality. He is a winner and a great teammate. His role is crucial, he understands the game and knows how to be a midfielder and attacker in the same way in the match. He is a key player for us.”
Why does Real Madrid always win?
“We try, we always try. We are one step away from the final, the most difficult one. The club always wants to grow and improve. The players are an example for all of us. Tonight will be difficult, we all know Bayern and what they can do , but we will do everything to give our fans another joy.”
The official lineups for the 9pm match at the Allianz Arena.
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kimmich, Dier, Kim, Mazraoui; Laimer, Goretzka; Sané, Muller, Musiala; Kane.
Trainer: Tuchel.
Real Madrid (4-3-1-2): Lunin; Lucas Vazquez, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr.
Trainer: Ancelotti.