The two top teams split 2-2 (0-1) in the Allianz Arena on Tuesday. Vinicius Junior scored early for the “Royal” (24th) and saved them a draw with a converted penalty (83rd). Bayern’s goals, for which Konrad Laimer played through, were scored by Leroy Sane (53′) and Harry Kane (57’/penalty).
The “Royals”, where the ÖFB star David Alaba, who had a knee injury, sat on the bench in his old home as a thumbs-up, absolutely wanted to prevent their third out in the fourth CL semi-final in a row. Only in 2022 did they have the upper hand in the semi-finals on the way to winning the title. The Munich team had the chance to avoid a titleless season. They can make it to the final on May 8th at Madrid’s Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. Borussia Dortmund (Marcel Sabitzer) and Paris St. Germain will meet in the second semi-final on Wednesday (9 p.m.).
With Laimer, Jamal Musiala and Sane, who got fit in time, Bayern fired off a real offensive firework from the start. The ball could have hit the net three times in the first quarter of an hour. After just 40 seconds, Real goalie Andrij Lunin had to do a brilliant job with a foot save when Sane finished from a somewhat acute angle. The Ukrainian also saved a shot from Kane (6th). Sane (7th) and Jamal Musiala (12th) also shot over.
Real turns the game on its head
There was no sign of the “Royal” team at the front, but with their first good offensive action they turned the game on its head. After an ideal hole pass from Toni Kroos, Vinicius Junior made the first contact and gave Manuel Neuer no chance to defend. The guests were characterized by maximum efficiency. Bayern, on the other hand, also failed to get a Kane free kick into the goal (42′).
After the restart the characteristics changed. Neuer fished a Kroos shot out of the Kreuzeck (51′) and thus prevented a quick 0-2. Bayern, on the other hand, were now callous in front of the goal. Laimer initiated the equalizer well with a pass to the side, Sane moved inside the penalty area and hit the near corner with his left. This ended a goal drought for the 28-year-old, who last scored in the 8-0 league win against Darmstadt on October 28, 2023. Three minutes later, Lucas Vazquez met the breaking Musiala in the penalty area and Kane confidently converted the penalty to take the lead.
After that, Munich continued to have the better moments, but that changed in the final quarter of an hour. Neuer closed the short corner well in a duel with Vinicius Junior (79′). Three minutes later, however, Kim Minjae laid Rodrygo in the penalty area and Vinicius Junior confidently completed his brace. The Brazilian scored in the semifinals for the third year in a row. Both teams continued their unbeaten competitive game streaks. Real have not lost 19 times, Bayern six times.
