Bayern Munich and Real Madrid Battle to a Draw in Champions League First Leg

The first leg of the Champions League semi-finals between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid ended all square with the second leg to be played in Madrid next week. Both teams came into this match off the back of defeating English oppositions Arsenal and Manchester City respectively in their quarterfinal games. Bayern Munich saw their 12-year hold of the German title escape from their grasp with Bayer Leverkusen winning this season’s edition. Real Madrid on the other hand is 11 points clear ahead of second-placed Barcelona in La Liga with five matches remaining. Therefore, the goal for both teams is to lay their hands on the big-eared trophy. 

Between both teams, they have 20 Champions League combined. The last time they faced each other in the competition was also in the semi-finals, with Real Madrid winning 4-3 on aggregate. With no Cristiano Ronaldo or Robert Lewandowski to lead the line for Real Madrid or Bayern respectively, each team had players that could make a difference. 

Toni Kroos’s defense-splitting pass to Vinicius broke the deadlock midway through the first half after complete domination from the home team. Bayern had chances of their own but weren’t clinical in their finishing. However, in the second half, they started on fire with Leroy Sane and Harry Kane scoring goals four minutes apart to give Bayern the lead on the night. Bayern failed to see out the game to carry a lead to Spain, as a Vinicius penalty put the game back at square one for the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

Vinicius Jr. after scoring his penalty. Photo Credit: Real Madrid Instagram

The spotlight was on Jamal Musiala and Jude Bellingham, two youngsters who have been performing at the highest level for their respective clubs. The two who were a part of England’s under-15 set up together represented their clubs on the biggest stage in a semi-final.  Yet, it was Musiala who was the most impactful of the two. The German international completed the most dribbles and won a penalty. 

Jamal Musiala running at the Real Madrid defense. Photo Credit: Bayern Munich Instagram

Harry Kane, the scorer of Bayern’s second goal expressed his disappointment with the result but wants to put things right in the second leg. 

“Whenever you’re 2-1 up in a big game and you don’t come away with a win of course you come away a little disappointed. But overall 2-2, basically nil-nil going there next week, big game, semi-final at the Bernabeu that’s what you play Football for.”

Bayern Munich play Stuttgart away in the Bundesliga and Real Madrid face Cadiz at home this weekend. Los Blancos could be crowned champions of Spain as early as this weekend should they beat Cadiz and Barcelona drop points vs surprise package Girona away. The second leg of the Champions League will be at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, May 1st.