On April 7, 2026, the Santiago Bernabéu will once again become the main theater of Europe. Real Madrid hosts Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.
This is already the 29th meeting of the two giants in the main European cup — no other pair in the tournament's history has had more such encounters.
Despite the unexpected defeat to Mallorca (1:2) right after the international break, the "whites" traditionally switch to playoff mode. Álvaro Arbeloa and Vinícius Júnior have already set the tone: the team is focused solely on victory, and the Bernabéu is ready to explode.
Arbeloa: "The Bernabéu is waiting for another great night of the Champions League"
Real's head coach Álvaro Arbeloa did not hide his respect for the opponent at the press conference.
"In terms of results, this is probably the most consistent team in Europe this season. We know the challenge that Bayern will present on the pitch and the history we have with this team — it is always special for us. The Bernabéu will experience another great night of the Champions League, like the one against Manchester City. I am sure it will be repeated tomorrow," said Arbeloa.
He specifically noted Kylian Mbappé: "He has different skills and characteristics compared to Brahim, so we will have to play differently. I am excited about such a challenge — having great players at our disposal and a player like Kylian Mbappé, who came to Real for such matches and such playoff stages. I am absolutely confident that we will see Kylian at his best level leading the team, as he always does."
Arbeloa emphasized the role of Jude Bellingham: "With Bellingham on the pitch, we are the best team. I am convinced of that. Tomorrow we will see it, because he gives us so much." The coach also spoke highly of defender David Alaba, who has returned and is already helping the team.
Regarding pressure and mentality, Arbeloa stated clearly: "We are not thinking about not progressing further. There is only one scenario for us — to beat Bayern and move on. That is our only focus." He reminded that victory requires collective play in all phases: "Talent is important, but it must be put at the service of the team."
Vinícius Júnior: "We are ready, we have vast experience in such matches"
Vinícius Júnior also addressed the press the day before and immediately set the accents. "The most important thing is the connection between the players and the fans, because it always changes the dynamics of home matches in the Champions League. A very strong team is coming to us, which has lost little this season, but we are ready and we have vast experience in such games. I hope we will do everything right," Vinícius said.
He admitted that after the international break, the connection within the team was not ideal, but everything should change tomorrow: "We need to be at 200%. I hope tomorrow will be one of those days, because the match is very important."
Vinícius spoke about his attacking partner Kylian Mbappé: "People say a lot of things. When there are many strong players in the team, you can talk about anything. Mbappé always gives us confidence and goals. We have a very good connection both on and off the pitch. We are always together and will fight for this club forever."
Regarding his future, the player spoke calmly: "I hope to stay here for a long time. I have one year left on my contract, we are very calm because I have the president's trust. We know what we want, and we will address the extension at the right time. I want to stay here for a long time because this is the club of my dreams, and I am very happy."
Vinícius also noted the return of Militão: "I am very happy about his return; he is one of my best friends. When he is with us, we become better and more connected. Now everyone is coming back, and we see how the team is getting stronger."
Classic of Europe: 28 matches and nine games without defeat
Real and Bayern have met 28 times in the Champions League. The "whites" have a slight advantage: 13 wins, 4 draws, 11 losses, 45–42 on goals. Most importantly, Real has not lost to Bayern in nine consecutive matches (7 wins, 2 draws). In the last four playoff encounters, the Madrid team has progressed further and ultimately won the trophy each time, including the path to the 15th victory in 2024.
