Real Madrid-Bayern Munich: with five defeats in seven matches, Kylian Mbappé does not often shine against the Bavarians

All eyes will be on him. This Tuesday, Kylian Mbappé will be the center of attention during the Champions League quarter-final first leg between his Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Brilliant with the Blues in the United States and free of his sprained left knee, the Frenchman must take his team to the last four of the prestigious European competition against the Bavarians who have been impressive since the start of the season.

“I am convinced that we will see him at his best level and that he will carry the team as he has always known how to do,” assured his coach Alvaro Arbeloa at a press conference. I can assure you that having players like him is an extraordinary opportunity. I don’t think any coach in the world would want to have him on their team. I put myself in the shoes of opposing defenders who have to face players like Kylian, Vinicius, Bellingham, who are among the best in the world…”

If the Spaniard is confident, his striker is not used to shining against Bayern Munich. In total, Kylian Mbappé has faced the Bavarians seven times in his career, with only two victories to his name. All these matches were played when he played for Paris Saint-Germain, between 2017 and 2023.

A lost final, a qualification and an elimination

The first meeting dates back to the group stage of the 2017-2018 edition. Holder on the right of the Parisian attack alongside Neymar and Edinson Cavani, the Bondynois had started his rivalry with Bayern well by delivering a decisive pass to the Uruguayan during the Parisians’ big victory (3-0). The return match was more delicate, with a defeat at the Allianz Arena despite a goal (3-1).

Two years later, the two teams met in the final of the 2019-2020 Champions League, in the solitude of Lisbon in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. The epilogue of a sad Final 8 which ended with the coronation of the Bavarians (0-1), and one of the greatest disappointments of Kylian Mbappé in the Parisian jersey.

The Blues captain’s best performance against the German club finally took place the following year, in the quarter-final first leg of the C1, with a double scored on hostile ground to secure a precious victory (2-3). Beaten in the return match (0-1), the Parisians nevertheless qualified for the last four, finally eliminated by Manchester City.

Finally, Parisians and Bavarians faced each other once again in the round of 16 of the 2022-2023 Champions League with, this time, two clear victories for the Germans (0-1 and 2-0), during which Kylian Mbappé failed to make the difference.