Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich LIVE: Lineups and kickoff time of the 2026 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals first leg

The Santiago Bernabeu is set for a match of final-level magnitude as Real Madrid host Bayern Munich in the opening leg of the 2026 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.

Real Madrid enter this stage after a dominant performance against Manchester City, advancing with a commanding 5–1 aggregate score. On the other side, Bayern Munich arrived in Madrid in terrifying form, having dismantled Atalanta with a staggering 10–2 aggregate victory in the Round of 16.

However, the hosts face a significant setback for this crucial fixture. Thibaut Courtois has been ruled out after sustaining a muscle injury in his right quadriceps. As a result, Andriy Lunin will once again step into the spotlight to guard the Bernabeu goal against the German giants.

Gianni Taina is a bilingual journalist, fluent in English and Spanish, with a specialization in soccer, NBA, and tennis. He began his professional career in 2020 with Mundo Deportivo US, where he first established himself as a writer. Throughout his career, Gianni has covered major sports events such as the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tournaments like the French Open. His ability to report on real-time events and perform well under pressure has made him a valuable member of a top-tier team of journalists. In 2024, he joined Bolavip US, bringing his expertise in soccer, NBA, and tennis to deliver original content while providing live coverage of important events.