If you ever wondered where the “rivalry” started between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has a perspective on that topic.
“It was a friendly game. We won 9-1 and I think they sacked Boskov (then coach) on the same day. It was a humiliating defeat, also because they were practically still on vacation at the time and we had already been preparing for some time. But that was a mistake,” Rummenigge told Diario AS and Tz journalist J. C. Menzel López (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “Paul (Breitner) said afterwards in the dressing room: ‘We are crazy. The next time we play at the Bernabéu they will kill us.’ And that day came. Later we took part in the Bernabéu Cup, and I played in central defense alongside Klaus (Augenthaler), because otherwise (Real Madrid’s defender) Camacho would’ve seriously done it (killing me). That’s where it all started. Later, there was the myth of the ‘bestia negra’ (black beast), although I have to admit that the last time we were a black beast was in the semifinals of 2012. Since then, they have become more of a ‘white beast’ for us.”
Of course, the relationship between many clubs has soured because of the failed Super League project. Rummenigge said that he does not think it is too late to salvage things for those club who tried to break off from tradition.
“I asked him (last week): ‘Florentino (Perez), come back to the football family. Our family needs Madrid and needs you too.’ – It must be remembered that Florentino is a very important figure in the football world. That’s why my only wish is that Florentino and Real Madrid consider the options under which they could return to the UEFA family,” said Rummenigge.
Looking for more thoughts and analysis of the massive Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid match in the Champions League? Then check out our Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show where we breakdown everything from the excitement you might (or might not) be feeling to Thomas Tuchel’s potential lineup to a prediction on the game. You can get the podcast on Spotify or below: