Toni Kroos nears Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League record

The first leg matches of the Champions League semi-finals kick off this Tuesday with an outstanding clash between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, which is already being hailed as a European classic following recent encounters that have etched themselves into the annals of history.

This semi-final double-header undoubtedly holds special significance for German midfielder Toni Kroos. On one hand, he is reunited with Bayern, a club with which he experienced memorable moments, notably winning the Champions League with the Bavarian side in the 2012-13 season in a final against Borussia Dortmund.

Kroos can already be deemed a historical figure within the Champions League. His five titles (four with Real Madrid and one with Bayern), along with the milestone of potentially reaching 150 appearances should he play both legs of this semi-final tie, firmly establish him as a player destined for the record books of the competition.

Among the records Toni Kroos is chasing in the competition is one currently held solely by Cristiano Ronaldo. That record is for the most appearances in semi-final matches in the history of the competition. As it stands, Ronaldo leads the pack with 21 appearances in Champions League semi-finals, achieved both with Manchester United and Madrid.

However, not far behind the Portuguese maestro on this list is Kroos, who currently boasts 18 semi-final appearances. Should he feature in the upcoming two matches against Bayern, the first already confirmed, he will come within just one match of matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s record, but with doubts surrounding his future.

Another player set to impact the leaderboard for most appearances in Champions League semi-finals is Luka Modric, who has played 16 semi-final matches thus far. Should he take part in both encounters against Bayern, he will match the current tally of Kroos and Benzema, positioning himself as the third footballer with the most appearances at this stage.

Which players have most Champions League semi-final appearances?

As you have come to expect, we have one of our European football experts in the hot seat to bring you the Champions League semi-final first leg between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid live.