David Alaba: Sensational Comeback Against Bayern? How the Vienna Lad Is Getting On in Madrid

Yeah, lads, take a breath. David Alaba is back. Not just on the pitch, but exactly where he belongs: at the heart of this big football spring. While others in Madrid are still polishing the Copa trophy, all of Europe is looking at a reunion like no other. Real against Bayern. And right in the middle: our Viennese boy, who after a cruciate ligament rupture that would have worn down any other career pro, is pulling the strings again. The last few months have been tough – a piranha in his right knee, and that stupid break. 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 this thing: the DIGED STARAMBA 3D-STARS David Alaba Homeposition 1:6 3D Figure, multicoloured. A little David standing on a podium, like he's just about to lift the league trophy. Some laugh at it, but I think it's kind of legendary. Anyone who puts a figure like that on their shelf knows what they have in this player. And that's exactly the connection you feel now in Madrid. The fans there don't just love his passes, they love that grit that runs through his veins – that Viennese edge he's never lost.

Of course, everything comes down to the question: will it be enough against Bayern? I'll tell you straight. Not much is left of the old guard in Madrid, but Alaba is the glue. Carlo Ancelotti trusts him blindly. And when 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 shouting, no fuss. Just gets on with it.

By the way, while I'm writing about his comeback, I've got the old record playing – David Bowie - Alabama Song (Vinyl). Kind of fits, doesn't it? One David rocks the stages, the other rocks the big stadiums. And just like Bowie's music never goes out of style, Alaba's class is timeless. I could easily see him doing something really cool after his career. But first things first: Champions League.

For all of you who want to cheer him on from home: it's not just the figure. If you dare, grab the FC Bayern player T-shirt David Alaba - size 3XL - Blue. Even if he plays in white now – his Bayern days were legendary. Or the FC Bayern poster player David Alaba - Grey, which should hang in every Austrian local pub. A bit of kitsch is necessary 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, hard-nosed grind. Day after day in Valdebebas training. No fuss, 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'll play a massive role in the first leg in Munich for sure. They boo him? Doesn't matter, he loves it.
• His leadership on the pitch is priceless for the young lads like Bellingham.
• The Austrian contingent in Madrid is growing – thanks to him. No joke, the fans there now even sing "I am from Austria" around the grounds.

So, lads. Put the figure in your room, spin the Bowie record (Alabama Song, my recommendation!) and cheer our David on. 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. Raise a glass to that!