Leon Goretzka issues warning ahead of Real Madrid "challenge" in Bayern Munich's UEFA Champions League quarter-final showdown
Published 13/04/2026 at 09:08 GMT+1
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Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka knows there is still "work to be done" against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday night. The Bundesliga giants hold a first-leg advantage, having claimed a 2-1 win at the Bernabeu last week courtesy of Luis Diaz and Harry Kane goals either side of half-time, but Goretzka is aware of the "challenge" ahead.
Highlights: Kane and Bayern too hot for Real in Bernabeu first leg
Video credit: TNT Sports
Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka has issued a warning to Real Madrid ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash on Wednesday night.
The Bavarian powerhouse host their Spanish counterparts - live on TNT Sports and HBO Max - in midweek as they seek to book a semi-final spot.
Goals from Luis Diaz and Harry Kane either side of half-time saw Bayern take a two-goal lead in the Spanish capital.
Kylian Mbappe halved the deficit with 15 minutes to play to give Real Madrid a chance of securing a place in the final four, with the victors of this tie facing either Liverpool or Paris Saint-Germain.
Bayern, though, come into Wednesday's game on a five-game winning run, and are unbeaten in 15 across all competitions.
Vincent Kompany's side head into the Real Madrid showdown on the back of a resounding 5-0 win over St. Pauli on Saturday afternoon, as goals from Jamal Musiala, Goretzka, Michael Olise, Nicolas Jackson and Raphael Guerreiro wrapped up a comfortable victory at the Millerntor-Stadion.
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Watch: Diaz slips past Alexander-Arnold to net ‘GORGEOUS’ Bayern opener
Video credit: TNT Sports
And while Goretzka insists that there is still "work to be done", the experienced midfielder is adamant that Bayern will "be ready" for the challenge.
"The match against Real Madrid will be a huge challenge," the 31-year-old said. "We’re playing at home, where we feel very comfortable, and the opposition generally doesn’t.
"We got a good result in the first leg, but there’s still work to be done."
The Germany international added that the Bayern squad is strong, pointing to the effort of the collective rather than individual roles.
"Of course, I always aim to start. But we have a great squad," Goretzka continued.
"The squad is at full strength, and everyone has to contribute, whether from the start or just for half an hour. We’ll all be ready, no doubt about it."
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'Could have done even better' - Kane on first-leg victory at Real
Video credit: TNT Sports
'I'm on the right track'
One of those who will be ready for Real Madrid is Goretzka's Germany team-mate, Musiala.
The youngster made just his third league start of the season in the win over St. Pauli on Saturday, having suffered a fractured fibula and a dislocated ankle against PSG at the Club World Cup last July, as he looks to slowly build up his fitness.
The 23-year-old looked back to his best in the weekend's victory, following up his first-half strike with the assist for Jackson's second-half effort.
Musiala spoke of the Bayern mindset ahead of Wednesday's game, and reflected on his performance and recovery.
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'Half asleep' Real caught napping as 'red-hot' Kane doubles Bayern lead
Video credit: TNT Sports
"Our mindset for Wednesday has to be positive," Musiala said. "I've felt really good. It was a good match. I’m happy with my performance. Every minute I can play is good for me.
"Today I saw that I’ve taken a step forward. I can still take many more steps, but I’m on the right track.
"I feel my foot is becoming more agile again; it’s also a matter of patience. I feel much better now. My focus is on Bayern; I want to help the team."
Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cups, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more football live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
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