Bayern play Real, Chelsea face Atletico in C'League semis

Real Madrid’s Emilio Butragueno (left) shakes hands with FC Bayern Munchen club ambassador Paul Breitner during the draw for the UEFA Champions League semi-finals at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon yesterday.

DPA'Nyon/ Switzerland

Nine-time European champions Real Madrid, who are in a fourth successive semi-final, will meet Bayern at home in the first of their two legs.

Primera Division leaders Atletico, who defeated Spanish rivals Barcelona in the quarter-finals, play Chelsea at home in the Vicente Calderon in the first leg of their semi-final tie. The draw in Nyon opens up the possibility of an all-Madrid final in Lisbon on May 24.

Real Madrid, who eliminated Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals, have the opportunity of avenging a semi-final exit to Bayern two seasons ago.

Bayern, who put out Manchester United in the previous round, are out to become the first team to defend a Champions League title.

Bayern’s Spanish coach Pep Guardiola was delighted with the prospect of facing an old adversary. The former Barcelona coach reeled off the names of most of the Real first team as he highlighted their individual qualities. “Casillas, Pepe, Ramos, Bale, Modric, Coentrao, Alonso, Di Maria, Benzema, Ronaldo - wow!,” said Guardiola.

“I am happy. The whole of Europe will be watching these games. I know Real Madrid very well. I have played against them many times as both a player and coach.

“I like it when the best players and coaches play (against each other). It will be a big challenge for us against one of the best teams in the world.”

Bayern captain Philipp Lahm said: “These games are worthy of being the final. You only have one goal when you are in the semi-final - to reach the final at all costs.”

Real coach Carlo Ancelotti, a two-time Champions League winner with AC Milan, said: “If we want to win the Champions League, we have to beat everyone including Bayern. “The semi-finals against Bayern will be very difficult, but it’s not easy for anyone to play Real Madrid either.”

Bayern have met Real 20 times in UEFA competitions - all in the European Cup, including five semi-finals. Bayern came out on top in 1976, 1987, 2001 and 2012, with Madrid’s only victory in 2000.

The first legs will be held on Tuesday April 22 when Atletico play Chelsea, and Wednesday April 23 with Real against Bayern.

The return matches are a week later on Tuesday April 29 with Bayern against Real, and Wedenesday April 30 when Chelsea play Atletico.