MUNICH, Germany – Bayern Munich is in the driver’s seat in their Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid following a 2-1 victory in the first leg. However, Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer warned that despite the Spanish giants struggling for form, Real Madrid could still be a formidable threat with their backs against the wall.

The Bavarians now turn their attention to the return leg on Wednesday, where they hope to secure a place in the semi-finals. Alongside their Champions League aspirations, Bayern is also set for a German Cup semi-final and holds a commanding 12-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s hopes of silverware this season rest solely on the Champions League. With their exit from Spain's Copa del Rey and a second-place position in La Liga—nine points adrift of Barcelona—this is their last realistic chance for a trophy this season.

Neuer acknowledged the pressure on Real Madrid, noting, “Yes, it is a big chance for Real to improve things. It is a really difficult period for a club like Real at the moment. We have experienced it ourselves in the past.”

“When you are with your back to the wall, you can move mountains,” he added, referencing the resilience that Real Madrid has often shown in past years during challenging times.

Bayern Munich enters the return leg in excellent form. This past Saturday, they set a new Bundesliga record, defeating St Pauli 5-0 and taking their season total to 105 goals, with five matches still left to play. The previous best record of 101 goals was set during the 1971-72 season.

“We are in a flow right now. We are still in all competitions and it's in our own hands,” said Neuer. “We are sitting in the driver’s seat.”

Bayern Munich could seal the Bundesliga title as early as this weekend if Borussia Dortmund fails to win against Hoffenheim. Additionally, Bayern will face Bayer Leverkusen in the German Cup semi-final on April 22.

“We won the first match, but there is only one goal difference,” Neuer cautioned. “We know the fight we have to deliver. But we have that one-goal advantage.”

“Our motivation is sky-high, so the starting point is good, but we cannot overestimate it. We’ve experienced how Real can hit back, but we are confident,” he concluded.

The clash at the Allianz Arena promises to be a thrilling encounter, as Bayern Munich looks to continue their remarkable run while Real Madrid strives for a comeback.

-Reporting by Karolos Grohmann, editing by Ed Osmond/Reuters