Bayern face Real in mouth-watering semi-final

Real Madrid will meet holders Bayern Munich in a UEFA Champions League semi-final, with Atletico Madrid facing Chelsea in the other tie.

Real, who edged through 3-2 on aggregate in their quarter-final tie against Borussia Dortmund, are chasing a record 10th European crown and attempting to reach a first final since 2002.

They will host Bayern in the first leg, with Pep Guardiola’s side attempting to become the first side to defend the trophy since the competition’s inception in 1992.

The German champions knocked out Manchester United 4-2 over two legs in the last eight and are aiming for their third consecutive final appearance.

Guardiola will come up against familiar foes Real for the first time since he was in charge of their arch-rivals Barcelona.

In the other semi-final Barca’s conquerors Atletico will welcome Chelsea, winners of the competition two years ago, to the Vicente Calderon in the first leg.

There has been much talk concerning the availability of Atletico goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois – on loan from Chelsea – and the tie will give the London club an opportunity to avenge their UEFA Super Cup defeat to the Spanish outfit in 2012.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is also attempting to become the first manager to win Europe’s premier club competition with three different clubs.

Real entertain Bayern in the first leg on Wednesday April 23, with the return fixture at the Allianz Arena taking place six days later. Atletico host Chelsea on Tuesday April 22, then Diego Simeone’s side face the Europa League holders at Stamford Bridge on April 30.

Bayern, Real and Chelsea were all made to work for a semi-final spot, while Atletico edged bast Barca in a tight all-Spanish affair.

After a 1-1 draw in Camp Nou, Koke’s early goal at Vicente Calderon on Wednesday saw Simeone’s men into the last four to keep their hopes of a Liga Liga and Champions League double alive.

Defending champions Bayern were twice behind in the tie against United, before goals from Mario Mandzukic, Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben saw them defeat the English champions at the quarter-final stage for the second time in five years.

Real looked to be cruising through after a 3-0 win in the Bernabeu before a rampant Dortmund staged an enthralling comeback in the return leg, but fell just short as Real hung on to progress after losing 2-0.

Chelsea succeeded where Dortmund failed in turning round a first-leg deficit, as Demba Ba’s late goal earned a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge and saw them progress on away goals after a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg.