(AFP) Title holders Bayern Munich will face nine-time winners Real Madrid in a dramatic Champions League semi-final, which was drawn yesterday.

Surprise package Atletico Madrid must take on 2012 winners Chelsea in the second semi-final with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois at the centre of a contractual intrigue between the two sides.

Bayern, who knocked out Manchester United, are aiming to be the first club to successfully defend the trophy in the 22-season Champions League era.

Bayern captain Philipp Lahm said the two leg clash should be the tournament final.

“These games are worthy of being the final. You only have one goal when you are in the semi-final - to reach the final at all costs,” said Lahm.

Real coach Carlo Ancelotti forecast “a very difficult tie for us, but also for Bayern Munich”.

The Italian added: “I think Bayern Munich are a great team. They have individual and collective quality and have had a great season.

Best coaches

“Pep Guardiola is one of the best coaches in the world and has a lot of experience.”

Guardiola’s German champions met Real in semis in 2011/12. winning on penalties in Madrid before losing to Chelsea in final.

The continental superpowers have met five times in the semis in all, with Bayern winning four.

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 second, having been beaten by Bayern in 1974 climax.

The La Liga leaders’ reward for their stunning victory over Barcelona in the quarters is a match up against Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea.

The pair last met in 2012 Super Cup with Atletico winning 4-1.

Mourinho is trying to win the coveted title for a third time with different clubs after Porto and Inter Milan.

Warning

Before the draw, UEFA made a veiled warning to Chelsea that they must not stop Atletico using goalkeeper Courtois.

European football’s governing body said any provision in Courtois’ loan agreement preventing his participation is against the competition’s rules.

“Both the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations contain clear provisions which strictly forbid any club to exert, or attempt to exert, any influence whatsoever over the players that another club may (or may not) field in a match,” European football’s governing body said in a statement.

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay said there was no dispute, however, and Atletico are free to use Courtois in the games.

Atletico president Enrique Cerezo told Spanish radio station Onda Cero after the match however that his side would have to pay “a lot of money” for the Belgian international to face Chelsea due to a provision in his contract. Spanish media reports estimated the fee to be $4.17 million a match.

The Champions League first legs are on April 22/23 with the return legs on April 29/30. The final is in Lisbon on May 24.

Europea League semi-final draw pitted Spanish duo Sevilla and Valencia against each other. The other semi sees Benfica of Portugal play Juventus of Italy with the semis to be be played on April 24 and May 1.