Real Madrid News
History suggests Real Madrid hold massive advantage over Bayern Munich
As Real Madrid prepare for yet another blockbuster UEFA Champions League clash against Bayern Munich, history leans in favour of the Spanish giants and not by a small margin.
This fixture has long been one of Europe’s most iconic rivalries, producing unforgettable nights and dramatic comebacks.
But as the latest chapter approaches, past encounters suggest that Real Madrid hold a psychological and statistical advantage, especially at home.
What’s the story?
The Santiago Bernabeu has often proven to be an unforgiving venue for German opposition.
Simply put, across the history of the European competition, Los Blancos have suffered just three home defeats against German sides.
Interestingly, two of those rare defeats came at the hands of Bayern Munich themselves.
The first came during the 1999–2000 Champions League campaign, when Bayern secured a memorable 4-2 victory at the Bernabeu on February 29, 2000.
That season saw the two sides meet four times, with Bayern winning three of those encounters.
Yet, in true Real Madrid fashion, it was the result that mattered most that ultimately defined the tie.
A crucial 2-0 win in the semi-final first leg gave Madrid the edge they needed to progress, before they went on to defeat Valencia CF 3-0 in the final to lift the trophy.
Bayern struck again a year later in the 2000–01 season, edging out a narrow 1-0 victory in Madrid.
The last time a German side celebrated a win at the Bernabeu came in the 2014-15 season, when Schalke pulled off a thrilling 4-3 victory.
Even then, Real Madrid had the final say, progressing 5-4 on aggregate.
Not German winners
Since that night, the Bernabeu has re-established itself as a fortress against Bundesliga opposition.
Teams such as Wolfsburg, Borussia Dortmund, Union Berlin, RB Leipzig and Stuttgart have all travelled to Madrid hoping to challenge Los Blancos and all have fallen short in one way or another.
Even when fixtures were played away from the Bernabeu, such as the temporary relocation to the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium, the outcome remained consistent, with Real Madrid maintaining control against German sides.
In a major update, AS reports that former Real Madrid midfielder and club legend Toni Kroos has taken his first step towards starting his coaching career.
The former Germany international has told the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) that he is interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers.
Real Madrid tried to bring Kroos back
It is no secret that Real Madrid considered bringing Toni Kroos back into the club’s structure after the end of the last season.
The club president, Florentino Perez, had wanted Kroos to have a daily presence at Valdebebas rather than making occasional appearances after his retirement.
Jose Angel Sanchez and Kroos spoke after Perez expressed his desire to see the German working at Valdebebas every day. However, they did not find the right moment, time or structure to give his return a clear form.
A comeback remains one of the possibilities most desired by Madrid supporters because of Kroos’ charisma and what he represents at the Santiago Bernabeu. Neither side wanted him to return simply for the sake of it, so the door remains open for the future.
The relationship between the two parties is excellent, and both know that the opportunity to work together again will eventually come.
Taking it step by step
For now, Kroos continues to run the academy he established in Boadilla, enjoying the opportunity to help develop younger players.
After two years away from the competitive side of football, however, he is beginning to look towards the dugout as a possible next step in his career.
Kroos currently holds coaching qualifications that allow him to work up to the third tier of Spanish football.
This is possible because professionals with at least seven years of proven experience and significant involvement at the elite level can gain direct access to accelerated coaching courses.
That means Kroos could coach a team in Primera Federacion, but the German wants to take things gradually.
Kroos has already informed the RFEF that he would be interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers during the 2027/28 season.
The course taking place this season is not available to elite former players, with UEFA limiting each campaign to 20 places.
With his current qualifications, Kroos could work as an assistant coach, but he cannot yet take charge as a head coach in either the top flight or the Segunda División.
But completing that programme would allow Kroos to obtain the UEFA A licence, which would enable him to coach teams at any level.
