Champions League: Bayern Munich Pose Threat, Real Madrid Bank on Champion Mentality

Real Madrid prepares for a major test as they host Bayern Munich in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Quarter Finals at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday. The match is predicted to be intense, with high pressure from the visiting team, currently in their best form this season.

Madrid's coach, Alvaro Arbeloa, affirmed his team is ready to face Bayern's aggressive playing style. 

He understands the German representatives will take the initiative and apply pressure from the opening minute.

“We know they will press us very hard on the field,” he said as quoted by beIN Sports on Tuesday.

Madrid enters this match with added pressure following a 1-2 defeat to Mallorca in La Liga last week. 

That result left them seven points behind their main rival, Barcelona, in the domestic title race.

However, Arbeloa stressed the team's focus is now entirely on the European stage. He doesn't want the players dwelling on disappointment and has urged them to use the Bayern match as a resurgence moment.

On the other hand, Bayern arrives with high confidence. The team under Vincent Kompany leads the Bundesliga standings with a nine-point advantage.

Bayern has shown consistency in the Champions League, suffering only one defeat so far.

Arbeloa also highlighted Bayern's complete quality. According to him, the balance between defensive and offensive lines, as well as their speed in transitioning play, will pose a major challenge for Los Blancos.

Nevertheless, belief remains Madrid's main asset. The Spanish capital club is known for its strong mentality in European competitions, especially when facing top teams in crucial situations.

That track record was evident again when Madrid delivered a dominant performance to eliminate Manchester City with a convincing 5-1 aggregate victory in the Round of 16.