© REUTERS
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.
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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.
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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. — © AFP
- Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are stuck at a draw.
- Vinicius scored two goals.
- Thibaut Courtois followed from the bench.
Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are stuck at a draw after a pleasant match. Real Madrid went to the break with a 0-1 lead after a goal from Vinicius. Early in the second half, Bayern completely turned the score around with goals from Sané and Kane (penalty). Bayern seemed unable to relinquish the lead, but in the last 10 minutes Real Madrid were awarded a penalty. Vinicius made his second of the evening. The draw keeps things exciting for the return match. Final score 2-2!
Vazquez is shown a yellow card after a drawing error.
Vinicius finishes neatly from the spot and scores the equalizer!
Min-jae Kim gets a yellow card for his foul.
Real Madrid also gets a penalty! Kim Min-jae takes down Rodrygo and referee Turpin points to the spot!
Vinicius comes face to face with Neuer during a quick attack, but the goalkeeper prevents the equalizer with a clever intervention. Not 2-2!
Dier gets another chance. This time he heads towards the goal from close range, but his attempt is too weak and does not hit the net. Real Madrid escapes!
Mazraoui reaches Kane in the box and he tries with a shot. His attempt is cracked and ends just wide of the post. A little later, Dier heads straight at Lunin from a corner kick. Bayern remains the most dangerous team.
Kroos gets yellow after a serious foul.
Real Madrid doesn’t know for a moment and is experiencing the game. Bayern is in control of the game and gives little space away. Can the visitors force something? Or is the 3-1 already in the air?
Kane finishes neatly from the spot! 2-1!
Musiala goes down in the box after contact and referee Turpin immediately points to the spot! Penalty for Bayern! Harry Kane gets behind the ball. Will he give the home team the lead?
Tags: Bayern Munich misses victory Real Madrid return Champions League semifinals
