"German graveyard"... Early Spanish provocation sparks Bayern Munich's anger

Even before the kick-off, the Spanish press had already ramped up the atmosphere ahead of the clash, resorting to psychological tactics aimed at the Bavarian giants. The newspaper *AS* headlined its report with the provocative phrase: “The Bernabéu… German Graveyard”, in a clear reference to Real Madrid’s strong home record against German clubs.

This description is not without basis, as the statistics confirm the Royal Team’s dominance at home, having suffered just one defeat in their last 21 home matches against Bundesliga sides; that loss came against Schalke, 4-3, in the second leg of the 2014-2015 Champions League round of 16.

It seems that Real Madrid have indeed become a real thorn in Bayern Munich’s side in recent years, as the Bavarian giants have failed to get past the Spanish side in the knockout stages for nearly 14 years.

Bayern have lost four consecutive knockout ties against Real Madrid, starting with the 2013–14 semi-final, followed by the 2016–17 and 2017–18 quarter-finals, and culminating in the 2023–24 semi-final, according to the German newspaper *Bild*.

The most recent encounter between the two sides remains fresh in the memory, after Real Madrid managed to turn the tables thanks to substitute Joselu, securing their place in the final, before going on to win the title with a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund.

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Despite this historical rivalry, Bayern Munich have a glorious memory against Real Madrid dating back to the 2011–12 season, when the German side, led by manager Jupp Heynckes, managed to knock the Spanish giants out on penalties with a 4–3 victory, in one of the most thrilling encounters in the competition’s history.

That night saw Manuel Neuer shine, alongside the famous moment when Sergio Ramos missed a penalty that sailed high over the bar, according to the German newspaper Bild.

The striking irony is that rising Bayern star Linart Karl was only four years old at the time, whilst Álvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid’s current manager, was a player in the squad during that match.

Conversely, the Spanish press has not been without its own tone of admiration either, with *Marca* describing Bayern Munich’s attack as a ‘deadly machine’, in reference to the team’s formidable attacking prowess this season.

Amidst the provocation and praise, the only certainty is that tonight’s clash has all the makings of a thrilling encounter. Will Bayern succeed in breaking the Madrid curse? Or will Real Madrid continue to assert their dominance in their European stronghold?

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