This is a heavyweight showdown fit for the final itself. Two giants dripping in European Cup history yet one will miss out on gracing the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, the venue for this season's final on 24 May.

Together Real and Bayern have been been crowned kings of Europe 14 times, the Spaniards having won the competition on a record nine occasions.

But it's been so long since Los Blancos last won it that Gareth Bale was just starting high school and Steve McManaman was on the Real bench when Zinedine Zidane's goal clinched Vicente del Bosque's side the trophy back in 2002. Will 2014 be the year Carlo Ancelotti's team end their 12-year wait for European glory?

Image source, Getty Images

It's the nine-time champions of Europe against the five-time European champions. It's the 32-time champions of Spain versus the 24-time champions of Germany. It's Carlo v Pep, Ronaldo against Robben.

One is chasing a domestic and European treble. The other is on course to finish the season with an astonishing five trophies. This is no ordinary Champions League semi-final. This is Real Madrid versus Bayern Munich. . . . .