Overview
- Real Madrid published Tuesday’s starting XI with Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior up front and Andriy Lunin in goal, while Bayern start Manuel Neuer with Harry Kane leading the attack.
- The matchup is the Champions League’s most frequent tie, and recent history favors Real, with Bayern repeatedly knocked out since 2012 after Saturday’s Liga loss left Madrid leaning on Europe.
- Spanish TV figures questioned Mbappé’s defensive work, and Vinícius Júnior plus coach Álvaro Arbeloa publicly pushed back, calling him vital before the quarter-final first leg.
- UEFA assigned José María Sánchez Martínez to referee PSG vs. Liverpool on Wednesday, and PSG training showed Bradley Barcola taking part briefly as Fabián Ruiz stayed out, which clouds Ruiz’s chances.
- In Ligue 1, Monaco’s 2-1 win over Marseille on Sunday made it seven straight victories and left five clubs within three points from third to seventh with six matches to play.