Toni Kroos: Real Madrid have not bought Champions League success Champions League - Bayern vs Real Madrid Suggested others have spent more

Toni Kroos denied that money has been behind Real Madrid's Champions League success claiming that if it was down to wealth then other club's would have come out on top.

Real are now aiming for their third straight European trophy and take on Bayern Munich in the first leg of their semi final tie on Wednesday.

The German midfielder has also revealed what makes Los Blancos a constant Champions League contender.

"You can't buy a Champions League title, because otherwise we couldn't have won it, as we haven't spent as much," he told a press conference.

"A team like Madrid is special, we have players in a position to play at the highest level.

"If you have many players with that experience, in those difficult times you know what you have to do and you don't lose your nerves.

"That's what takes us so far."

Kroos went on to give his take on his team's rivals and his former club, Bayern.

"I expect a strong team, as it's a Champions League semi-final," he noted.

"Bayern are in good form and there's nothing more to say, as they have won the league quite early on, but compared to the last few years, there is no feeling that they have slowed down.

"I think they are in better shape than last year, although they had absences.

"I have the feeling that they are in good shape, and that with [Jupp] Heynckes they play more as a team."

Asked on the German manager's contribution to the opposition, the 28-year-old has been full of praise on Heynckes.

"I can only say that in a big club, when there is a good atmosphere, there is success," he added.

"That's what it gets, good vibes and this is the secret of why they are playing so well.

"The communication with the coach seemed to be missing, but I no longer have that feeling."