Bayern Bulletin: Neuer, Ronaldo Closer to Fitness for Champions League Clash

Neuer, Alaba, Contento Return to Team Training

A week after suffering, Manuel Neuer returned to team training on Sunday, working with the football with goalkeeper coach Toni Tapalovic. The last hurdle is running, according to multiple German reports, although the club's official website expressed optimism that he will be good to go for Bayern Munich's first leg against Real Madrid.

David Alaba, out against Eintracht Braunschweig due to illness, trained with the reserves Sunday, reassuring he will be back manning the flanks in Spain. Diego Contento returned to activities as well, two and a half weeks removed from an ankle injury.

Ronaldo Fit, Bale a Question Mark

Cristiano Ronaldo participated in full team training on Monday, a further indicator that he will be fit for the midweek Champions League bout. Sergio Ramos (neck) and Marcelo (hamstring) both joined him in a full session, adding more depth for manager Carlo Ancelotti in defense.

While having the Ballon d'Or winner back is fantastic news, Gareth Bale's absence from Monday's training dampens the mood. Bale is now questionable for the first leg in Madrid after coming down with the flu. Ángel Di María would be the one to man the opposite flank of Ronaldo should the Welshman be unfit to play.

Unleash la Bestia Negra!

Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge reiterated Monday how big the spectacle in Madrid will be on Wednesday, one "that the whole world will see." Naturally, the key for him is for his side to get on the score-sheet.

"We must see that we score at least one goal," said Rummenigge [fcbayern.de]. "The Dortmund against Real matches showed that."

The Spanish have coined the nickname la bestia negra (the black beast) for Bayern, one that Rummenigge wants the team to live up to.

"There we have the nickname la bestia negra. There we need to prove that we are la bestia negra," said Rummenigge.