David Alaba: Comeback Clash with Bayern? How the Viennese Lad is Getting On in Madrid

Yes, folks, take a breath. David Alaba is back. Not just on the pitch, but right where he belongs: in the thick of the big football spring. While others in Madrid are still polishing the Copa trophy, all of Europe is looking forward to a reunion of a very special kind. Real against Bayern. And right in the middle of it all: our Viennese lad, who, after a cruciate ligament tear that would have worn down any other career pro, is pulling the strings again. The last few months have been tough – a proper mess in his right knee, and that stupid setback. But Alaba wouldn't be Alaba if he didn't bring back his cool composure right now, when it matters most.

I was in a fan shop the other day and saw it: the DIGED STARAMBA 3D-STARS David Alaba Home Position 1:6 3D Figure, multicoloured. A little David standing on a podium, as if he's just about to lift the championship trophy. Some might laugh, but I find it kind of iconic. If you put a figure like that on your shelf, you know what you've got in this player. And you can feel that connection right now in Madrid. The fans there don't just love his passing; they love that grit running through his veins – that Viennese attitude he's never lost.

Of course, it all boils down to one question: is it enough against Bayern? I'll tell you straight. There aren't many of the old guard left at Madrid, but Alaba is the glue. Carlo Ancelotti trusts him implicitly. And if he lines up next to Rüdiger, that battle with Kane will make even die-hard England fans nervous. Alaba has that aura that decides games before the referee even blows the whistle. No fuss, no drama. Just gets on with it.

By the way, as I'm writing about his comeback, I've got the old David Bowie - Alabama Song (Vinyl) spinning. Seems fitting, doesn't it? One David rocks the stages, the other rocks the big stadiums. And just as Bowie's music never goes out of style, Alaba's class is timeless. I could well imagine him doing something pretty cool after his career. But first things first: Champions League.

For all of you who want to support him from home: it's not just the figure. For those who dare, there's the FC Bayern Player T-Shirt David Alaba - Size 3XL - Blue. Even though he plays in white now – his Bayern days were legendary. Or the FC Bayern Poster Player David Alaba - Grey, which should be hanging in every Austrian pub. A bit of kitsch is allowed when it comes to a hero.

But what pleases me most: Alaba is mentally stronger than ever. This comeback isn't a loud fanfare; it's a quiet, rock-hard grind. Day in, day out at the Valdebebas training ground. No complaints, no excuses. That's exactly the attitude that fascinates us about him, from the Danube all the way to the Manzanares.

And here's the big one:

• He's bound to play a huge role in the first leg in Munich. They boo him? Doesn't matter, he loves it.
• His leadership on the pitch is priceless for the young guns like Bellingham.
• The Austrian contingent in Madrid is growing – thanks to him. No joke, the fans there have even started singing 'I am from Austria'.

So, folks. Put the figure in your room, spin the Bowie record (Alabama Song, my recommendation!), and cheer on our David. Real Madrid against Bayern Munich – that's not just football, that's a matter of the heart. And Alaba? He'll be his old self again. Cheers to that!