Since a 2-0 defeat against Barcelona six years ago, on 27 April 2011, there has been only one more result that would mean Real Madrid wouldn't make the Champions League semi-finals after Tuesday's game against Bayern Munich; the 4-3 loss against Schalke in the 14/15 season.
On that occasion Real still qualified, because they had beaten the Germans 2-0 in the first leg.In any case, that scare at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu is a good example as to why Madrid won't relax against the Bavarians, because in Europe nobody surrenders, least of all the German teams.
Of the last 37 European results in Madrid, only the two mentioned above have ended with a defeat.
The El Clasico was the first leg of the semi-finals, Lionel Messi scoring both goals for the Catalans after the controversial dismissal of Pepe.
Pedro netted in the return at the Camp Nou with Marcelo's equaliser in vain as Pep Guardiola's side went on to the final at Wembley.
Madrid play this return at the Bernabeu and with two goals away from home, they'd still progress even if they were to lose 1-0 against Bayern.
Not that such a scenario is part of their thinking because Zinedine Zidane and his players want to look for the win as quickly as possible.Nor should Real worry about direct duels with this opponent.
There have been eleven games at this venue between them and only a repeat of the 4-2 defeat in a group game in 2000 would see Bayern qualify.
The 1-0 loss in May 2001, again in a group match, would still see Los Blancos emerge successfully in the tie.
Real have won eight of the 11 meetings, with a draw the other result - way back in 75/76, the Germans first visit.
