Defending champions Real Madrid have been drawn in a mouth-watering Champions League semifinal tie with German heavyweights Bayern Munich.
The Galacticos – having won the title back to back – are bidding for a third consecutive crown and 4th in the last 5 years overall. They are attempting to become the first club to be crowned continental champions in three consecutive seasons since Bayern accomplished the feat from 1974-1976.
The Germans, who have announced Niko Kovac as their next coach, are back in the semis for the 7th time in nine seasons and are in the final for the first time since they won it in 2013.
Both teams are meeting in the semifinal of a European Cup for the seventh time. Bayern won on penalties in the 2012 semis, after also eliminating Los Blancos at this stage in 1976, 1987 and 2001. Madrid ousted the Bavarians in 2000 and 2014.
The first leg will be in Madrid on April 25 before concluding in Bavaria on May 1.
The winner advances to the may 26 final where they will face either Roma or Liverpool who are down to meet in the other semi-final tie.
The tie will be a meeting of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah against his former club, as Roma sold the forward for €42 million in June. The Egyptian has scored 39 goals in all competitions and on Friday was named English Premier League Player of the Month this season for a record third time.
The first leg will be played in Rome on April 24 and then shifts to Anfield on May 2.
The final is scheduled for May 26 at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev, Ukraine.
In the Europa League, Arsenal were drawn against 2010 and 2012 winner Atletico Madrid, while Marseille will face Red Bull Salzburg.