Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich: Los Blancos Primed for Champions League Letdown

On Saturday, Real Madrid virtually clinched the La Liga title with a huge 2-1 win over archrival Barcelona. While it was a huge win, it may have an adverse effect on the second leg of the team's Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich.

I smell a letdown.

Sure, Real Madrid have a second-leg showdown at home, and a 1-0 win will be enough to move them to the second round. You can even say that they have the more talented side and should win if they play their A-game. Cristiano Ronaldo is playing out of his mind right now.

All true.

But they also are in danger of a letdown, of suffering an emotional hangover after a huge and surprising win on Barca's turf at Camp Nou. With such a huge obstacle overcome, Real Madrid are in danger of coming out flat and lacking motivation against Bayern Munich.

Now, I could be wrong about that. They could have extra motivation to go out and claim La Liga and Champions League titles this season. They could be extra focused to prove that they are the world's undisputed best club.

But I find that hard to believe. Barca have absolutely owned them of late, and defeating the Catalans in such a huge game must have removed a rather large monkey off the team's back.

If Real Madrid do come out flat, Bayern Munich will pounce. They don't lack confidence, as Bayern captain Philipp Lahm told ESPN's Nick Bidwell:

"

We delivered when we had to and proved Real look a lot less frightening when they are on the back foot...With a little more luck with our finishing, we could have won with more of a cushion. Unfortunately it was not to be, but at least we have our noses in front and that makes us more confident.

Our victory was fully deserved. We missed some scoring chances but continued to persevere and found a late winner that was essential for us. A draw was not enough, as you need something to fall back on when you are playing in an intimidating arena like the Bernabeu.

I feel we wanted more and believed in ourselves right to the end. This fighting spirit, together with our passion and togetherness, was there for all to see throughout the match. More of the same will be needed in Madrid.

"

Bayern believe they can win this match, and they have the firepower to pull off the upset in Madrid. They aren't going to sit back and play cautiously, either—they're going to go after Madrid. This won't be a Chelsea vs. Barcelona situation; Bayern are going to go for blood early.

Real Madrid must be focused, motivated and put the events at Camp Nou behind them. Otherwise, Bayern won't just survive the second leg, they very well may beat Real Madrid for the second straight game.

One way or another, it's going to be fun—if the Real Madrid squad didn't already have too much fun, that is.

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