Although Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have never met in the Champions League final, Tuesday night was their 27th match in the history of European cups. They have had quite a few classic matches in the past, just think of 2018, when the Bavarians lost 2-1 at home, they won by the same percentage away, but three Spanish goals came in extra time. A good example of how deep traces this match left in Germany Kicker brought this to life with an attitude that if there had been a video referee, a different result would have been guaranteed, because C. Ronaldo also kicked the goal(s) from offside in added time. At that time, Ancelotti was still the manager of Munich.
Both coaches are Champions League winners, Thomas Tuchel won with Chelsea in 2021, a year later Carlo Ancelotti said goodbye to Chelsea and won the trophy for the fourth time in his career. Bayern is in second place in the league, they have to put everything on this match to save their season, while Real are only a few points away from the gold medal.
Bayern started with great momentum, in the first minute, Sané, who was running on the left side, was caught in a slip, but Lunyin saved with his foot. The winger had one more chance, but he also overcame it from the left side. Harry Kane also had opportunities, he tried from the opening circle after he scored the ball after an intense attack, and the English center noticed that the Ukrainian goalkeeper was standing outside.
In the 24th minute, Real, freed from the pressure, immediately sold their first chance. With a perfect start, Kroos immediately put Vinicius in a great position, who passed the ball past Neuer at a great pace from 14 meters. The goalkeeper had little to save, but the Brazilian player chose a good solution.
Vinicius passed the ball past Neuer, giving Real the lead – Photo: Kai Pfaffenbach / Reuters
Kane’s and Kroos’ free kicks could have caused more danger in the run-up to the half, but neither of them hit the goal from a favorable angle.
After the break, Kroos had a dangerous shot that Neuer had to clear from the top corner. As unexpected as Real’s goal was, Bayern’s equalizer came out of nowhere. Sané now moved to the right side, dribbled inside with great momentum and shot perfectly with his left foot into the lower left corner from 13 meters, Lunyin threw himself for the ball, but could not touch it.
Less than four minutes passed and Bayern was already in the lead.
Musiala tricked inside the penalty area, Lucas Vazquez (who could not play due to Carvajal’s suspension) unnecessarily kicked him, the French referee Turpin stood at a good angle and immediately pointed to the penalty spot. Harry Kane took the penalty, he watched the goalkeeper’s movements and calmly rolled it into the right corner, Lunyin was waiting for the ball in the other direction.
In the continuation, Lunyin was at work for Dier’s headers, but the home defense had to be smart about Vinicius’ situation. Real could not speed up the game for a long time, Ancelotti brought in Modric, the Croatian midfielder put Vinicius in position with an extra start in the 79th minute, who could not put the ball past Neuer, who closed the corner well, from a sharp angle.
Two minutes later, the Korean defender Kim, who had been noticeably uncertain throughout the game, upset Rodrygo inside the penalty area, Turpin didn’t think twice and resolutely blew this foul as well. It wasn’t a harmless situation, but Dier could have made a good save if Kim hadn’t pulled the striker on him. Vinicius didn’t place the ball well, but since Neuer was waiting in the other direction, this penalty also went in and Real equalized. (He was chosen as the man of the match.)
In the 93rd minute, Kane, after playing cleanly on the right wing, made a long pass to the center, so the score remained 2-2. Real Madrid have yet to lose in the Champions League this season.
Overall, it was a fair draw, next Wednesday in Madrid it will be decided which team can travel to the final, which will be held at Wembley. On Wednesday, the other German team, Dortmund, will take on Paris St. Germain.