For FC Bayern, the fight for the Wembley dream will be a test for true champions. After a magnificent comeback with goals from Leroy Sané (53rd minute) and penalty taker Harry Kane (57th), Real Madrid shocked Munich on Tuesday evening in the first round of the Champions League classic with a late penalty goal to make it 2-2 (0: 1) by Vinicius Junior (83′). The Brazilian also scored the first goal for the Royals before the break after a world-class pass from football genius Toni Kroos (24th).
Everything is still possible for coach Thomas Tuchel and his team, even if the Munich team will have to surpass themselves in the semi-final second leg in Spain on Wednesday next week in order to be able to travel to London again eleven years after their Wembley triumph. The opponent in the final could then be Borussia Dortmund, as in 2013, who want to prevail against Paris Saint-Germain in the other semi-final.
There couldn’t have been better conditions for this thrilling duel: a wonderful, warm summer evening and goosebumps-inducing atmosphere. The Bayern supporters greeted their team as they walked onto the field with a huge banner featuring Franz Beckenbauer. The “Football Emperor”, who died on January 7th, led Bayern to their first triumph in the national championship competition as captain 50 years ago.
The cordiality that existed between the teams in the dressing room was over with kick-off – and it was Bayern who put a lot of pressure on. After around 40 seconds, Sané failed due to a reflexive tackle from Real goalkeeper Andrij Lunin. In the seventh minute, Sané shot over the goal with his second chance, as did Kane (9th) with a cheeky lob almost from the halfway line when Lunin was well in front of his goal. A little later, Jamal Musiala missed the ball (12′). A rousing start.
But Real wouldn’t be Real if Carlo Ancelotti’s team hadn’t gotten through this phase without becoming too nervous. In particular, national team returnee Kroos now ensured more control in the guests’ game. And not for that: Vinicius Junior just had to complete his world-class through ball through the midfield and the Bayern defense. In the center circle, Kroos raised his arms triumphantly.
The goal conceded with the first chance had an effect on Bayern, who had to do without Matthijs de Ligt, but were able to field three recently injured players in Musiala, Sané and Konrad Laimer. Tuchel talked wildly to Sané and Leon Goretzka. They only came back shortly before half-time with a powerful free kick by Kane that narrowly missed the goal (42′).
Tuchel reacted during the break and brought on the stronger Raphael Guerreiro for Goretzka. Sané initially moved to the right side, Musiala tried to move over to the right. The motto was clear: at least the equalizer was needed. But Kroos (51′) almost scored the guests’ second goal. With a brilliant deed, fellow selector Manuel Neuer parried the German Real driver’s shot.
And then it happened on the other side and all of a sudden Real’s calm was over: Sané prevailed and, like Robben, who was following the game on site as an expert, took a shot with his left and hit the near corner. His first goal in six months. But that wasn’t enough, Musiala was fouled in the penalty area just a short time later. Penalty. One thing for Kane. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Uli Hoeneß also applauded enthusiastically in the stands; the 240-second double strike released new strength.
Kane missed the goal by centimeters (66′), Eric Dier’s header was denied by Lunin seconds later, before Min-Jae Kim’s foul on Rodrygo destroyed Bayern’s confident phase and the second leg became a very hot dance in Madrid.
