Luis Figo believes Real Madrid have a chance to win against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals despite losing 2-1 to Los Blancos in the first leg. The Portuguese legend believes that this is an impossible feat for any other team, but in his view, it is not impossible for the Real Madrid team, which combines the two key ingredients to achieve it: huge talent and being a memorable club.
“Yes, it was a tough draw and it is difficult to overturn a 1-2 result, but if there is a team with the greatness and quality that can do it, it is Real Madrid. That is why I think that despite the unfavorable result at the Bernabéu and the history of this competition, Real Madrid can reach the semi-finals,” said Figo, who knows what he is talking about.
Bayern Munich mocks Real Madrid with retro video including Cristiano Ronaldo
He has faced Bayern 11 times during his career, along with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter, nine of them in the Champions League. He scored a goal against the Germans at the old Olympiastadion (they lost 2-1) and has experienced all kinds of scenarios against this team, one of the opponents that caused him the most problems.
Given that experience, the Portuguese warns that it will be important for Vinicius and Mbappe to regain the effectiveness they lacked at the Bernabéu, but Figo believes there is more to the key than that. “Without a doubt, efficiency is important, especially in a match like this. Moreover, they are away matches and the first game will be played in unfavorable conditions. It is clear that if Vinicius and Mbappe are effective and accurate, it will be much easier to get a positive result,” Figo began. “But the important thing is to maintain the strength of Bayern’s attack, not to suffer and to control the game as quickly as possible,” said the Betfair ambassador.
Real Madrid will be playing this game with some important players missing. Choameni is unable to play due to suspension. Figo knows this is an important issue, but believes there is a debate in the sports world that does not raise alarms about this absence. “Yes, it’s a shocking absence. Choameni is an important player for the balance of the team, but I think Real Madrid have a replacement to replace him,” he said. “Will Bellingham be the substitute? I think so. In the first leg at the Bernabéu he came off the bench very well and showed that he has more than enough quality to be able to upset the balance and change the result. For me, Bellingham should always be on the pitch and that is logical,” insisted the Portuguese.
“Olise played a great game, he has incredible quality.”
On the other side, at Bayern, Figo highlights the qualities of Olise, one of the players who most impressed at the Bernabéu. “He had a great game. He has unbelievable quality,” he said, emphasizing the word “unbelievable.” “I love him as a player. If he continues to progress, he will always be a candidate for the Ballon d’Or. He is now a unique winger, playing for a top team like Bayern Munich. Could he play for Real Madrid? He has the qualities to play for any team in the world, be it Madrid or another team,” he concluded.
