What makes Bayern's Bernabéu clash with Real Madrid extra special for 18-year-old Lennart Karl | OneFootball

For 18-year-old Lennart Karl, Bayern Munich’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid is far more than just another big match.

Having openly admitted that he dreams of playing for Real Madrid one day, the youngster now has the chance to play in a stadium he has admired since childhood – the iconic Santiago Bernabéu.

“It’s a really cool stadium, of course,” Karl said after Bayern’s 4-0 win over 1. FC Union Berlin last month, noting that he’s looking forward “a lot” to facing Real Madrid.

“I’m just excited to play,” he stressed.

This won’t be Karl’s first visit to the Bernabéu. At just ten years old, he visited the stadium, as he had a trial with Real Madrid.

“I don’t really remember it anymore (the Bernabéu, ed.), but yes, I was there once,” he recalled.

What did Lennart Karl say about Real Madrid?

Karl caused a stir in January when he revealed his desire to play for Real Madrid at a fan event.

“FC Bayern is a very big club. It’s a dream to play here. But at some point, I definitely want to go to Real Madrid,” he said.

“That is my dream club, but let’s keep that between us.”

However, the FC Bayern bosses were quick to downplay the comments, pointing to Karl’s young age and underlined that the talented attacker remains fully committed to the Bavarian club.