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SportFootball

Champions League semi-final draw throws up goalkeeper dilemma

Chelsea warned not to stop Courtois, on loan at Atletico, from playing in Champions League semis; Bayern and Real will meet in other tie

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Thibaut Courtois plays for Atletico Madrid on loan but "belongs" to English club Chelsea. Photo: AP

Titleholders Bayern Munich will face nine-time winners Real Madrid in a dramatic Champions League semi-final, after the draw was made on Friday.

Surprise package Atletico Madrid must take on 2012 winners Chelsea in the other semi-final, which could prompt a showdown over goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. He plays for Atletico but is owned by the English club.

Bayern, who knocked out Manchester United on Wednesday, are aiming to become the first club to successfully defend the 22-season old competition.

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Pep Guardiola's German champions met Real in the semi-finals in 2011/12. They won that match on penalties in Madrid before losing to Chelsea in the final.

The two superpowers have met five times in the semi-finals in all, with Bayern winning four.

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While Bayern, seeking their sixth European trophy, are trying to reach their fourth final in five years, Atletico are aiming to make it to their first.

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