Two European heavyweights do battle again on Wednesday night in the most frequent fixture in Champions League history. This will be the 25th meeting in the competition of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich and once more it is difficult to predict a winner.
For all their pedigree, Real showed fallibilities against Juventus, while Bayern have been resurgent under Jupp Heynckes, who has seen this all before.
With Bayern expected to line up 4-1-2-3 and Real in a 4-4-2 diamond, Sportsmail assesses each team’s strengths and weaknesses.
BAYERN MUNICH (4-2-3-1)
Sven Ulreich
After a shaky start, Ulreich has emerged to great effect since deputising for injured Manuel Neuer in September, saving three penalties and producing a string of impressive performances. His long pass even set up a goal against Celtic. 8
Joshua Kimmich
Described by Germany manager Joachim Low as ‘one of the greatest talents I have seen in the past decade’ and compared by Paul Breitner to the legendary Philipp Lahm, Kimmich certainly has admirers. His tactical astuteness underpins his game. 8.5
Jerome Boateng
Now 29, Boateng has progressed immeasurably from the ill-fitting relationship at Manchester City to become a senior figure at Bayern and his generally flawless performances explain why. A key member of the Germany team looking to retain the World Cup this summer too. 8.5
Mats Hummels
A good reader of the game and a fine aerial presence, Hummels joined Bayern from Borussia Dortmund for occasions such as these – for the chance to win Europe’s biggest club competition. His elegance in possession belies his 6ft 3in physicality. 8.5
David Alaba
A truly gifted technical player, Alaba would patrol midfield for most teams as he does his nation Austria. But for a side so blessed as Bayern he is excellent at left back, a combination of poise and intelligence. A thigh injury may rule him out and bring ever-dependable Rafinha in instead. 8
David Alaba is a truly gifted technical player and an excellent left back for Bayern Munich
Javi Martinez
Used more often at centre back by Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, the return of Heynckes saw an immediate and productive return to defensive midfield. The Bayern manager has hailed Martinez’s smarts for protecting the back four in big games and with Arturo Vidal injured his importance increases. 8
Thomas Muller
Always ready to deliver an honest appraisal, Muller’s claim that Real are vulnerable was not without merit for a player who can back up his words with actions. Will probably be asked to play on the right of midfield, a season’s tally of 15 goals shows he still can find a finish when needed. 8.5
James Rodriguez
Has rebuilt his career in Bavaria after the arrival of Heynkes. A glorious player on his day, he has become the creative fulcrum at Bayern, dropping deep to run with the ball, or threading passes to forwards. Still technically on loan from the Bernabeu but eligible to play. 8.5
Arjen Robben
At 34, the Dutchman is still flying and has solid numbers for the season, with 11 goals for club and country. His vast experience is expected to get him the nod ahead of Thiago Alcantara, with 21-year-old Kingsley Coman injured. 8
Franck Ribery
Despite turning 35 this month, the Frenchman’s hamstrings are still going strong as he rampages down the wing. His crosses caused both goals in the semi-final against Sevilla and a new contract seems inevitable when his current deal expires this summer. 9
Franck Ribery turns 35 this month but the Frenchman’s hamstrings are still going strong
Robert Lewandowski
Five years ago this week the Polish striker enjoyed one of his finest games, scoring four goals to effectively dump Real out of the Champions League and he is form for another plunderous nights. He has 39 in all competitions this season and would crystallise a move to Spain with another star show. 9
REAL MADRID (4-4-2)
Keylor Navas
His outstanding form tempered the impact of the faulty fax that halted David De Gea’s transfer. But he was guilty of a horrible error against Juventus that saw the tie levelled at 3-3, and could have done better for another goal too. 7
Dani Carvajal
Real’s undisputed right-back for five seasons now, the Spaniard combines athleticism with the strong mentality needed to hold down a regular position at the Bernabeu. A record of 17 bookings and one red from this season illustrates his predilection for combat. 8
Sergio Ramos
The belligerent standard-bearer at Real’s heart, Ramos has a knack for scoring at the business end of this competition and will be sure to deliver any tactical fouls needed. A wealth of experience and a surfeit of antagonism. 8.5
Sergio Ramos has the happy knack of scoring for Real at the business end of the competition
Raphael Varane
Signed a new five-year contract with Real last September to underline his importance to Real now and in the future. At 25, he still receives criticism for his positioning, which can occasionally be covered over by his superb recovery ability. 8
Marcelo
Possibly an underrated component for Real’s recent monopoly on this competition, the Brazilian has relentless energy and is a crucial figure in attack as much as defence. How many times have we seen Marcelo in advanced positions just when his side require? 8.5
Casemiro
The Brazilian may be unfashionable but his introduction in 2015 brought balance to Real’s side and he has been fundamental ever since. Scored decisively in last year’s final, and has seven goals this campaign to show he is more than a destroyer. 8
Toni Kroos
The metronome to keep Real ticking, Kroos picks pass after pass to change angles of attack and rarely relinquishes possession. Always cool, his knowledge of Bayern and Heynckes having won this competition with them too could be a factor. 8.5
Luka Modric
Rose quickly to supreme importance following the move from Tottenham six years ago and has stayed there since. At 32, he is still far too good to be talking about finishing his career in the MLS, and will be entrusted with teasing apart Bayern’s defence. 8.5
Isco
Likely to be entrusted with the No 10 position, Isco has emerged over the last year as centre-stage in Real’s coterie of magicians. He held the team together in the last tie and in Turin completed 54 passes out of 54, including the assist for the opening goal. 9
Lucas Vasquez
The face that launched a thousand slurs, Vasquez won the dramatic penalty that allowed Real to squeak past Juventus and could start this game with Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema out of favour under Zinedine Zidane. It would be a bold statement. 7
Cristiano Ronaldo
Supposedly into the fading years of his influence, Ronaldo has if anything become even more predatory this season, reaching 42 goals so far including that spectacular bicycle kick in the last round. He has scored in a record 11th consecutive Champions League games and showed cajones of cast iron to convert the spot-kick that brought his club to this stage. 9.5
Supposedly into the fading years of his influence, Ronaldo has if anything become more key
Overall
Bayern: 92.5
Real: 90.5