Holders Real Madrid are in pole position to qualify for the UEFA Champions League final four. They, however, have to be wary of a Bayern Munich backlash when the sides meet for the second leg of their quarterfinal tie on Tuesday.

Last week, Los Blancos trumped 10-man Bayern 2-1 at the Allianz Arena but in the Champions League anything is possible and Bayern’s stars will go all out to avoid an embarrassing exit.

However, barring a miracle, the 11-time champions (Madrid) look set to continue their quest towards becoming the first team to defend the Champions League in its current format.

Real Madrid 

What Madrid will have to remember is that Bayern had a majority of chances prior to Javi Martinez’s dismissal and the Bavarians are unlikely to be as profligate as they were for the second game in a row.

And with Gareth Bale looking doubtful for the second leg with a calf complaint, Zinedine Zidane will have to see who starts in place of the Welshman alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. Either Lucas Vazcq or Marco Asensio are expected to get the nod, but the onus will be on Ronaldo to repeat his first-leg heroics a second time round.

Ronaldo has been undergoing his worst-ever goalscoring season at Los Blancos but managed to prove crucial with two priceless away goals. It proved that despite being 32, he’s not finished yet.

Like Bayern against them, Los Blancos are a little short in centre defence and while captain Sergio Ramos and Nacho did a fine job in the first-leg, should Robert Lewandowski return for Bayern, they might be in trouble.

Even without the Pole, Bayern are a top side and will be desperate to find a vital early goal, which means they will be fast out of the blocks. Which may just play into the hosts’ hands, as they prefer to hit their opponents on the counter.

What they are saying: “You make your own luck. It’s in our DNA to fight until the end at Real Madrid,” enthuses Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane (as per www.realmadrid.com)

Injury doubts: Raphael Varane (Achilles), Pepe (Ribs), Gareth Bale (Calf)

Suspension Alert: None

Bayern Munich

Uncomfortable questions regarding the size and quality of Bayern’s squad were raised in the aftermath of their first-leg defeat which left them on the brink of exit from the continental competition.

Critics have a point, as Robert Lewandowski’s replacement, Thomas Mueller, was playing like a headless chicken at the Allianz Arena. The German striker who has been warming the bench for a majority of the season was clueless in attack and Carlo Ancelotti may just have to rush the Pole back for this tie.

Bayern’s other concerns are at the heart of their defence as with Martinez suspended, Jerome Botatenng and Mats Hummels both major injury doubts, there is a bit of a crisis at the back. David Alaba could slot in at centre back but should neither Hummels or Boateng be fit to start, Ancelotti’s team will be in trouble before the tie has begun.

Arjen Robben was bright in the first leg, but he cannot do it all on his own and the likes of Franck Ribery need to step up and support the Dutch winger. Should Bayern score an early goal, the complexion of the tie will suddenly shift in the away side’s favour and that is what Ancelotti will urge his side to do.

What they are saying: “It won't be easy, we're the underdogs, but we'll have a chance to win in Madrid," insists Bayern captain Philipp Lahm (as per AFP)

Injury doubts: Mats Hummels (Ankle), Jerome Boateng (Adductor), Robert Lewandowski

Suspension Alert: Javi Martinez

Super Stat: Real Madrid have never failed to progress after winning the first leg away from home in the Champions League.