Match Report: Bayern Munich Vs Real Madrid 2-2
Real Madrid’s Brazilian magician Vinícius Júnior led the line and helped secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. Bayern dominated for long spells but it’s all to play for in the second leg. Kroos deserves massive praise as well as that pass that unlocked the defence for Madrid’s first goal was out of this world.
The Brazilian forward scored that particular goal against the run of play after a period of Bayern dominance. However, Bayern rallied in the second half, with Leroy Sané and Harry Kane finding the net within four minutes to put the home side ahead. Vinícius then equalised with a late penalty, leaving the tie finely poised for the second leg on May 8th. The match started with Bayern creating early pressure. A series of attacks tested Real Madrid’s defence, but the German giants were unable to break the deadlock. Leroy Sané came close to scoring within the first minute, only to be denied by Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.
Against The Run Of Play
As so often happens in football it was Real Madrid who took the lead against the run of play. Vinícius Júnior capitalised on a defence-splitting pass from Toni Kroos (again what a pass) to calmly slot the ball past Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Real Madrid’s unexpected lead did not deter Bayern though, they stuck to their game plan and came out strongly in the second half. Leroy Sané, drove a powerful shot past Lunin to level the score in the 53 minute, and then momentum swung further in Bayern’s favour when Harry Kane converted a penalty to give the home side a 2-1 lead.
With time running out, Real Madrid got their reward for staying in the game with some resolute defending and won a penalty after Rodrygo was brought down in the box by Min-Jae Kim. Vinícius Júnior stepped up and confidently dispatched the spot-kick to salvage a draw for Los Blancos.
Final Thoughts
Looking a the raw stats you would feel that the game was well balanced, madrid never looked out of the contest, by Bayern Munich will feel hard done to not coming away with an advantage going into the second leg. They were solid all night in every area for long periods of the game, but individual errors have cost them dearly. Min-Jae Kim was at fault for both goals in a rare off night for the powerful centre-half.
As for the attack, the chances were there for Bayern but they just weren’t able to capitalise on them when it mattered. Kane had a half chance from the edge of the area which he possibly could have done better with, and smashed a freekick wide of the target from a great position. He did however show great composure when taking his spot kick. On the Madrid side of things, they will now feel that they are favourites to progress to the final. They now have a home advantage and go into the second leg level. They defended resolutely at times and took their chances when it mattered.
