Real Madrid and Bayern Munich meet in the Champions League tonight, a regular rivalry dubbed the European Clásico.
The teams boast 21 European Cup successes between them and are perennial contenders for success in this competition. Ahead of their quarter-final first leg, we’ve put together a Combined XI from the two squads.
Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer – Bayern Munich
Thibaut Courtois’ absence is a big blow for Real Madrid, with Andriy Lunin set to deputise. Bayern are boosted by the return of Manuel Neuer, with the German great a colossal presence on the pitch and in the dressing room.
Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold – Real Madrid
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s time in the Spanish capital has not yet reached the heights of his Liverpool career, but the Real right-back is a unique talent. Alexander-Arnold’s expansive passing is a real weapon and something the Spaniards will hope can unlock Europe’s top teams. His duel with former Liverpool teammate Luis Diaz will be fascinating.
Centre-back: Eder Militao – Real Madrid
Alvaro Arbeloa has made no secret of his delight at the return of Eder Militao from injury. So highly rated is Militao with the Real Madrid boss that he called the centre-back arguably the world’s best last week.
“In top form, he’s arguably the best centre-back in the world,” Arbeloa said.
“He’s an exceptional centre-back due to his physical prowess, his abilities, his intelligence, and his leadership.
“He will help us and contribute a lot. He is a game-changing player. I’m very happy to have him back because he will be crucial for this final stretch of the season and for fighting for everything.”
Centre-back: Dayot Upamecano – Bayern Munich
Dayot Upamecano ended speculation over his future by signing a new deal at Bayern Munich earlier this season. It’s a massive boost for Bayern, with the Frenchman a huge part of the club’s spine. An undisputed starter with France, despite the nation’s defensive depth, highlights how highly he is regarded.
Left-back: Konrad Laimer – Bayern Munich
An underrated part of the Bayern side who is enjoying his best-ever period in Munich. Laimer has evolved from midfield depth to a reliable full-back, scoring three times and providing five assists in 18 league starts.
Midfield: Joshua Kimmich – Bayern Munich
The general of the German side. Kimmich is the controller in midfield for Bayern, and a leader for Vincent Kompany. He’s played in games of this magnitude regularly and will want to lead by example.
Midfield: Federico Valverde – Real Madrid
Kimmich against Federico Valverde might be one of the duels of the tie. The latter was exceptional in the elimination of Manchester City in the last round, with a first-half hat-trick in the first leg at the Bernabeu. The Uruguayan is one of the best box-to-box presences on the planet.
Fede Valverde has seven goals in his last six games for club and country 🤫 pic.twitter.com/S5s8APFJMM
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 27, 2026
Right-wing: Michael Olise – Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich’s chief creator, Michael Olise, has his sights set on records this season. The Frenchman’s already provided 28 assists in all competitions, just three short of matching the record for a single season across Europe’s top five leagues this century.
Left-wing: Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid
A real tough selection with Luis Diaz having an outstanding debut season at Bayern, but Vinicius often rises to the occasion in Europe. He has 60 goals and assists in 80 career appearances in the Champions League, including 12 in 12 games this season.
Forward: Harry Kane – Bayern Munich
The leading scorer in European football this season. Harry Kane has hit 31 goals in the Bundesliga so far, and 48 across all competitions. It’s a career-best campaign from Kane, who might be the finest finisher in world football right now.
Nobody, we repeat NOBODY, has come close to Harry Kane's levels since he landed in the Bundesliga…Serhou Guirassy has scored the second-most goals, and that's still 31 fewer than Kane 🤯 🏴
Kane has even outscored EVERYONE besides Guirassy purely in home games, and only Deniz… pic.twitter.com/ECBDf6Hjc9
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) April 1, 2026
Forward: Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid
Kane might be leading the European Golden Shoe race, but it’s Mbappe who is out in front in the Champions League. The Frenchman has scored 13 goals in nine games, averaging a Champions League goal every 56 minutes. He’s determined to end his elusive wait for club football’s biggest prize.
Read – Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich – Match preview and team news
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