Arjen Robben backs Bayern to win Champions League: ‘You can never write off Real Madrid’

Bayern Munich legend and former Real Madrid winger Arjen Robben has tipped the Bundesliga leaders to win this season’s Champions League as they prepare to protect a 2-1 first-leg lead at home to the most successful team in the history of the competition on Wednesday.

Robben, who won the 2012/13 Champions League with Die Roten, believes Bayern are “the better side in every game” but says they have to “watch out” for counter-attacks and moments of ingenuity as the 15-time champions seek another famous result to add to their litany of comebacks.

“I’ve said to a few friends – we’re constantly talking about football – that, for me, Bayern are the favourites in the Champions League,” Robben told Bayern’s website, adding that “only one team can win” if Vincent Kompany’s side are “on their toes”.

“It’s the way they play. It’s very impressive. That was already the case when I was at the stadium [for the 4-0 home win] against Brugge [during the league phase].

“That’s when I saw that everything is right and everything fits.”

Analysis: Robben on Bayern’s ‘most important’ quality

Robben’s revered career included reaching the 2009/10 Champions League final with Bayern – suffering defeat to Inter – and having an extra-time penalty saved in a loss against Chelsea in the 2011/12 showpiece.

The Netherlands great was player of the match in the 2013 final against Dortmund, setting up Mario Mandzukic to put Bayern ahead and scoring the 89th-minute winner.

“I loved those matches,” reflected Robben. “When I watch a match like that, I mentally transport myself back there and play along.

“We always had a core in the team made up of players who knew the club inside out – that ‘Mia san mia’ [club motto] spirit, that feeling of playing for Bayern.

“It’s like a family. That’s the most important thing when you’re building something like that as a club. I see that in the current team as well.”

Robben was suitably impressed with former team-mate Manuel Neuer’s display in goal at the age of 40 in the first leg, as well as wideman Michael Olise, who set up Harry Kane for Bayern’s second goal.

“Everyone was obviously raving about Manu,” observed Robben. “To me, he’s always been the best goalkeeper in the world.

“[Olise] was very good. That’s my position, too. He was excellent. He played with energy and creativity and showed some great skill on the ball.

“There are certainly some parallels [between us]. But you always have to be careful with comparisons. I don’t really like them, because every player has his own playing style.

“He just does it brilliantly. I’m really pleased about that and I can enjoy it, too.”

Why Bayern are better than ‘huge club’ Madrid

Having won the Dutch title with PSV and every major English trophy at least once with Chelsea, Robben became a La Liga champion and won the Spanish Super Cup with Madrid between 2007 and 2009, prefacing 10 years with Bayern.

“People are always talking about Real,” he said, analysing a Madrid side who are nine points behind Liga leaders Barcelona and facing the prospect of consecutive seasons without a major trophy.

“It’s a huge club on a global scale. They’ve won the most Champions League titles – that says it all.

“They’re always on the lookout for the best team and want to sign the best players. You can never write off Real.

“I’m impressed by the fact that they always stay calm. They’re happy to sit deep and then suddenly break forward.”

With 14 goals, Champions League top scorer Kylian Mbappe is three ahead of Bayern counterpart and nearest rival Harry Kane, while the likes of Brazil winger Vinicius Junior and England livewire Jude Bellingham give Madrid ample creative threat.

“Sometimes they only need one or two moments,” warned Robben. “You have to watch out for that. They have a lot of individual quality.

“But I believe that Bayern are the better team. They also have very good individual players who can decide a match.”

Here’s a look at Robben’s trophies with Bayern.

Bayern vs Madrid: TV channel, live online streams

Kick-off on Wednesday is at 20:00 BST (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT). Live TV coverage in the UK is on TNT Sports 2.

Streaming is on the HBO Max app. TNT Sports costs £30.99 a month and is available on a vast range of devices including smart TVs and gaming consoles.

What’s next in the Champions League for Bayern, Madrid?

The winners of the tie will face Liverpool or Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals, with the first leg during the final week of April.

The Reds host the holders in their quarter-final decider at Anfield on Tuesday (20:00 BST). PSG won the first leg 2-0.