Bayern Munich legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has felt the pain of playing at the Bernabéu and knows how that the atmosphere will be both electric…and dangerous.
“The stadium weighs on you. The crowd does too. Back then you also had to be a bit wary of the referee you got,” Rummenigge told AS with a laugh (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “The energy that stadium can generate is extraordinary. I remember the tie against City in 2022. Madrid were practically out – until they turned it around in stoppage time.
The stadium and the fans, together with the team, become a hurricane. You need nerves of steel, composure, and mental readiness.”
For Bayern Munich to pick up a win in Spain, Rummenigge thinks the squad needs to stay grounded under Vincent Kompany.
“First, we’re right not to label ourselves favorites, no matter how stable our team is. This isn’t a normal game. I’m still close friends with Pep Guardiola and called him before his round-of-16 tie, but even then I knew Madrid in February was nothing like early-season Madrid. They had issues, but since the games against City they’ve been that team again – capable of winning everything if you let them. Our meeting two years ago is proof. We were ahead for a long time at the Bernabéu, then came that double blow and the final slipped away from us,” Rummenigge stated.
Everything in this tie will be hard earned and every clash, challenges, and goal will be felt by both teams. These ties do not come around too often and if the Bavarians can ward off the demons of the Bernabéu.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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