The first semi-final match of the Champions League between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid will take place in Munich on Tuesday, 30 April. Former Ukraine striker Andriy Vorobey spoke about the teams' chances in this clash and the favourites of this tournament.
Andriy Vorobey-Andrii, first of all, I wanted toask you who isyour favourite team in the current Champions League?
- For me, it's Real Madrid. Firstly, I'm a fan of Madrid(smiles). But the main thing is that Real Madrid is playing great football now. It may not be as spectacular as, for example, Manchester City's, but it is effective (the best team in La Liga in terms of goals). In addition, the Bavarians have almost closed the championship race five rounds before the finish of the Spanish championship.
-So Bayernhas almost no chance in this confrontation?
- Why not? Anything can happen in football. "Bayern is Bayern, it is a titled club. Yes, they lost the championship race to Bayer Leverkusen, but in any case, this team will strive for another title, despite the internal problems that exist between Thomas Tuchel, the team and the club's management.
We don't have to look far: we can recall the last stage of the Champions League, when most people bet on Arsenal of London, but it was Bayern Munich who ended up in the semi-finals. In addition, the Germans have Harry Kane, who scores goals out of nothing. However, for me personally, Real Madrid is stronger in this confrontation.
-Bayern lost the Germanchampionship. Can this motivate them in the duel with Real Madrid?
- I don't think it's worth focusing on this. In my opinion, disagreements within such a big club cannot go quietly. For some reason, I don't believe that Bayern can win the Champions League in this state.
- WillCarlo Ancelotti entrust a place in the squad to the Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin?
- I have almost no doubt about it, Carlo Ancelotti is a wise specialist. Perhaps Andriy is a bit tired, especially since the situation in the Spanish league allows the Italian coach to experiment and play Kepa there. I am 90 per cent sure that Lunin will take the number one position in the match against Bayern Munich - he deserved it with his performance, at least based on the results of the match against Manchester City.
-What is your prediction for thefirst semi-final match betweenBayern Munich andReal Madrid?
- Despite the fact that the match will take place in Germany, I will still bet on the visitors to win. "The Bavarians can secure an advantage in this game before the return leg in Madrid.
What will the score be? I think it will be 0-1. Although I do not rule out that Carlo Ancelotti's men can win with a difference of two goals.
-If Real Madrid becomes thefirst Champions Leaguefinalist, who will Madrid face in the decisive match?
- Yes, Borussia Dortmund has made some surprises this season, beating PSG and AC Milan in the group and beating Atletico in the quarter-finals... However, I still believe that the French team will not make the same mistakes the second time around. "Paris Saint-Germain is the undisputed favourite in this match.
Yaroslav Piatnytskyi
