Everything to do again: Bayern Munich and Real Madrid keep each other in balance in the Champions League semi-final

Everything to do again: Bayern Munich and Real Madrid keep each other in balance in the Champions League semi-final
Everything to do again: Bayern Munich and Real Madrid keep each other in balance in the Champions League semi-final
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Bayern Munich failed to get past Real Madrid at home in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. It became 2-2. Thibaut Courtois was on the bench for the Royals for the first time since he tore his cruciate ligament in August.

Real Madrid had come to the Allianz Arena with a clear assignment: to create a low block and occasionally get out at speed in transition. Just like in the previous round against Manchester City, this yielded results, as the Royal team took a 0-1 lead at the break.

A flash of class from Toni Kroos had provided the Spanish lead. Vinicius Jr pulled Bayern defender Kim Min-Jae towards the center circle and then dived into his back at the right moment with his speed. Kroos understood his teammate’s plans and made the perfect pass at the perfect moment. Vinicius could only approach Neuer and scored the 0-1.

Bayern was the better team, but Real is deadly efficient in the Champions League. The first chance of Ancelotti’s troops was immediately lost. However, the home team did not show their signs and completely changed the score in just a few minutes in the second half.

First, Leroy Sané cut inside from the right. He blasted the ball from the edge of the box into the short corner past Real goalkeeper Lunin. Four minutes later, Musiala lay down in the Royal penalty area after a penalty violation by Lucas Vazquez. The ball hit the spot and Harry Kane scored to make it 2-1.

Real was then completely lost for a while, but Bayern, despite great opportunities, failed to deepen the score further. Ancelotti, however, intervened and actually brought in Kroos and Bellingham to throw Modric and Brahim Diaz into the fray. The equalizer came a few minutes later. Again the ref pointed to the penalty spot. This time after a mistake by Kim Min-Jae on Rodrygo. Vinicius, just like Kane half an hour earlier, converted the penalty flawlessly.

The score ended up being 2-2 between Bayern and Real. Everything is still possible in the return match next week.

Thibaut Courtois waved to the crowd during the warm-up. He was on the bench at Real for the first time since his injury.

Photo: AFP

The article is in Dutch

Tags: Bayern Munich Real Madrid balance Champions League semifinal

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