The first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid did not disappoint as the two European heavyweights played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena. Vinicius Junior put the visitors ahead in the first half before Leroy Sama and a Harry Kane penalty turned the game around. Vinicius Jr responded with a penalty of his own to level things up. Two goals from Vinicius Junior earned Real Madrid a draw away to Bayern Munich after a stunning UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg.
In a pulsating tie with two European heavyweights swinging both ways, it is likely the advantage that Real go into next week’s second leg in Spain with a place in the final at Wembley.
Bayern had little to show for their early pressure and were then punished midway through the first half when Toni Kroos’ pass opened up their defense before Vinicius Jr. applied the finishing touch. Vinicius’ nod to praise Kroos said it all about the assist, and for the Brazilian it was a goal at the semi-final stage of the Champions League for the third consecutive season.
That was against the run of play, as was Bayern’s equalizer after half-time, with Sane sneaking a fierce effort at the near post past Andrii Lunjin.
And just four minutes later, Bayern completed the turnaround, Lucas Vazquez fouling Jamal Musiala inside the box before Kane scored from the penalty spot with a cool stutter and finish.
The drama wasn’t over though, with Kim Min-jae fouling Rodrigo and allowing Vinicius Jr to score his second goal of the night.
It was a funny old game. Real Madrid weren’t quite on the brink, but they looked comfortable after the break, knowing that a one-goal lead in this away tie would make them firm favorites to reach the Wembley final.
And then, everything changed in a flash. Credit to Thomas Tuchel for the half-time substitution, and credit to Sane and Musiala, who orchestrated the comeback and gave Bayern every chance of beating Real on the night.
But in the end, the spoils were shared due to mistakes, with Kim disallowing the first goal and then gifting Real the second.
“It doesn’t matter what level you play. Mistakes, mistakes, mistakes will cost you dearly,” said Steve McManaman on TNT Sports co-commentary. “Why is he making that decision with Dier walking behind him?”
PLAYER OF THE MATCH – VINICIUS JUNIOR (REAL MADRID)
Tough game with Musial shining for Bayern, but two away goals in the semi-finals of the Champions League? That’s what great players do, and for Vinicius Junior it resulted in a third successive 20-goal season in all competitions.
PLAYER RATINGS
Bayern Munich: Neuer 6, Kimich 6, Kim 3, Dier 6, Mazraoui 5, Laimer 5, Gorecka 4, Sane 7, Miller 5, Musiala 7, Kane 6. Subs: Guerreiro 6, Gnabry 6, Davies n/a .
Real Madrid: Lunin 6, Lukas 5, Rudiger 6, Nacho 5, Mendy 6, Valverde 5, Chuameni 5, Kroos 7, Bellingham 5, Rodrigo 6, Vinicius Junior 8. Substitutions: Kamavinga 6, Modric 6, Brahim 6, Joselu n /a.
KEY MOMENTS
1′ ALREADY BIG SAVINGS! – What a start it was for Bayern in 45 seconds… Kane puts Sane in the goal, but from a narrow angle Lunin makes a crucial save with his feet.
24′ GOAL! BAYERN MUNICH 0-1 REAL MADRID (VINICIJUS JUNIOR) – CLINICAL. Kroos. Vinicius Junior. Gol. Kroos’ lofted ball opens up the Bayern defense and with Neuer unwilling to come out, it’s all too easy for Vinicius Junior from 15 yards as he slides past the Bayern ‘keeper.
53′ GOAL! BAYERN MINCH 1-1 REAL MADRID (SANE) – VOV. Out of nowhere! Two touches take Sane into space on the right and seemingly out of the blue he hits it with tremendous power, past Lunjin and into the goal at the near post. “That shouldn’t go in,” says McManaman, but Luna’s gone in a flash!
56′ PENALTY FOR BAYERN – Penalty for Bayern, Vasquez hangs his leg and fouls Musiala in the area… Kane should play!!
57′ GOAL! BAYERN MUNICH 2-1 REAL MADRID (KANE PENALTY) – Kane stutters and he rolls it to Lunin’s right as the keeper dives to his left. ANOTHER player with that stuttering rush to see where the “guard goes first”. That’s Vogue’s punishment.
82′ PENALTY FOR REAL MADRID – The nod is sloppy… Rodrigo is brought down and it is not reversed.
83’ GOAL! BAYERN MUNICH 2-2 REAL MADRID (VINICIUS JR PENALTY) – Vinicius Jr. has to wait for what seems like an age, but he ends up putting the ball practically into the middle, and suddenly it’s even on the night and probably Real’s advantage if it stays this way.