„Someone has to come first“: Is Bayern now top favorite in the CL? | OneFootball

FC Bayern sent out a clear signal to their European rivalswith their 2-1 away win at Real Madrid – and at the same time put themselves in an excellent position for the second leg. The performance at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu was not only rated with great respect internally, but also by experts. One 2014 World Cup winner in particular believes the record champions are currently at a level that is good enough for the really big goals

Munich were the better team for long stretches in Madrid. Vincent Kompany’s team repeatedly put the Whites‘ defence under pressure with pace, intensity and a clear structure. Luis Díaz and Harry Kane scored to give them a deserved lead, which held up despite Kylian Mbappé’s late equalizer

Höwedes praises Bayern: „They were already favorites beforehand“

For Benedikt Höwedes, one thing is certain: FC Bayern are currently one of the hottest contenders for the Champions League title. The 2014 World Cup winner watched the match as a co-commentator on Amazon Prime Video and was impressed by Munich’s performance afterwards

Speaking to t-online, Höwedes made his assessment clear: „They’ve been like that before, especially in their current form. They had a little weak phase, which they came out of well, and Bayern are playing so dominantly, so well. A team has to come along and beat them first.“

These words underline the impression FCB are currently making. The combination of individual class and team unity seems to be working better and better under Kompany. Players such as Manuel Neuer and Michael Olise stand out, but the key to success lies above all in the collective

Despite being favorites: Höwedes warns against Real

photo: IMAGO

Despite all the euphoria, Höwedes urges caution. The former international is aware of Real Madrid’s qualities – especially in the Champions League. „Nevertheless, it’s clear that the quarter-final is not yet decided. Real weren’t actually good in the game, but still managed to create a few things with their individual quality. You can’t give anything away,“ he explained

The final phase of the first leg in particular showed how quickly a game can turn against the Whites. Mbappé’s equalizer kept the game open and ensures that maximum concentration is still required in the second leg in Munich

Nevertheless, Höwedes remains clear in his assessment: „Bayern are the favorites for me.“ A statement that reflects Munich’s current form – and at the same time raises expectations

For FC Bayern, it is now a question of making the most of their strong starting position in the second leg and taking the next step towards the semi-finals. If they manage to match the level of performance at the Bernabéu, the dream of lifting the trophy this season should be more than realistic.