Bayern Munich failed to get past Real Madrid at home in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. It became 2-2.
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.
That bonus was thanks to a flash of class from Toni Kroos. Vinicius Jr pulled Bayern defender Kim Min-Jae towards the center circle and then dived into his back at full speed at the right moment. Kroos understood his teammate’s plans and made the perfect pass at the right time. Vinicius could only approach goalkeeper Neuer and score 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 went to the ground in Real’s penalty area after a foul 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. Real coach Ancelotti intervened and brought Kroos and Bellingham aside to throw in Modric and Brahim Diaz. 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 Wednesday.
This Wednesday, Borussia Dortmund and PSG will face each other in the first leg of the other semi-final.
