Ronaldo confident of besting Bayern

The world's most expensive player netted a potentially priceless away goal for the Spanish league leaders in their 2-1 semi-final first-leg defeat at the Allianz Arena last week.

And after scoring a record 42nd league goal in Real's triumph at Barcelona on Saurday that puts the title within their grasp, Ronaldo believes the stars have aligned for Jose Mourinho's side.

He said: "The team's moment has arrived. It's a big game and we're going to win it because we're playing in front of our fans.

"We know that after the first leg result that Bayern will look to the counterattack, but we also expect them to show a lot of respect toward us since we're playing at home."

Mourinho, who guided Inter Milan past Bayern in the 2010 final at the Bernabeu, faces the challenging prospect of needing to score against the visitors while neutralising tricky wingers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.

Placing the attacking emphasis firmly on Bayern, the ex-Chelsea manager said: "Bayern knows if it doesn't score goals, it's out. I don't expect the Germans to play defensively."

Meanwhile Munich coach Jupp Heynckes is likely to experience a bittersweet evening at the Bernabeu, having led the Madrid outfit to its 1998 Champions League triumph after a 32-year barren spell.

If the Bavarians can avoid defeat they will progress to the final at their home ground on May 19.

Heynckes rested several regulars in Saturday's Bundesliga victory over Werder Bremen and midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger should start tonight while Daniel van Buyten (foot) and Breno (knee) are out.

"All the players are available and we're motivated, determined and focused," Heynckes said.

"We can realize our dream of reaching the final at the Allianz Arena. That would be historic."