Real Madrid will face their biggest game of the season so far as they take on Bayern Munich in the second-leg of their Champions League semi-final tie.
The first leg at the Allianz Arena in Munich ended 2-2, with Real Madrid fighting their way out of intense pressure after a brace from Vinicius Junior.
Los Blancos will hope that home advantage, form and experience all play a part in the second leg, with everything to play for to set up a Champions League final clash with Borussia Dortmund.
Midfielder Toni Kroos was outstanding in the first leg, and the veteran could be a deciding factor at the Santiago Bernabeu for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Toni Kroos is unbeaten for Real Madrid against Bayern Munich
Kroos arrived at Real Madrid as a Champions League winner with Bayern Munich, but since elevated himself to become one of the greatest midfielders of his generation.
The Germany star has now made 460 appearances for Real Madrid, over double the 209 he made for Bayern, and will go down as a club legend.
Kroos’ record against his former club will give Real Madrid fans hope that they can reach yet another Champions League final. The 34-year-old has played in five clashes between the two sides in the competition, winning three times and drawing twice.
The midfielder started in both legs of the 2017 quarter-finals as Real won 6-3 on aggregate after extra time, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a hattrick.
A year later, Real knocked Bayern out in the semi-finals with a 4-3 aggregate win, and Kroos was again outstanding in both legs.
Toni Kroos is crucial for Carlo Ancelotti
In the first leg this year, Kroos picked out Vinicius Junior with an excellent pass for the first goal, and despite his age, he proved how important he is for Ancelotti.
Real Madrid are not short of midfield options, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga originally starting the season ahead of Kroos, but he has now shown that he is indispensable to the side.
“Toni Kroos, no words for him. He’s a top player. He’s crucial for us,” Ancelotti stated after the first leg.
If Real Madrid do reach another final and lift the Champions League trophy again, it will continue to seal Kroos’ legacy as one of the best players in the history of European football.