UCL: Exciting first leg leaves things all to play for

Bayern Munich 2 - 2 Real Madrid

It was an intriguing and exciting first leg in Germany

After soaking up immense Manchester City pressure in their quarter-final second leg, but eventually progressing to the semi-finals, Real Madrid were on the back foot again from the very beginning in Bavaria as Bayern created a succession of chances in the opening exchanges.

Real Madrid's visiting goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who saved two penalties in the quarter-final shoot-out against City denied Leroy Sané in the first minute with a smart save using his left leg.

Sané was constantly involved in Bayern's attacks and his clever back-heel, after a dart into the middle from the right wing, found Harry Kane in the area. However, the striker's curling shot was too close to the goalkeeper.

This Bayern duo teamed up again a minute after their previous attempt. This time, Harry Kane played a well-measured pass from just inside the Real Madrid half to find Sané on the left side of the goal. However, the resulting shot from Sané flew just over the crossbar.

UCL and UEL (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)

Kane then hit a lofted long-distance effort from just over the halfway line that had Lunin scrambling back to ensure it cleared his crossbar.

Despite this Bayern pressure, it was the visitors who took the lead with a clinical piece of play midway through the first half. Toni Kroos threaded a ball through the home defence for the run of Vinícius Júnior, who side-footed past the advancing Manuel Neuer.

Vinicius Jr has the joint most #UCL knockout goals and assists by a Brazilian ever! 🇧🇷

31 goals and assists in 33 games over the last 3 years in the competition... 🤯 pic.twitter.com/ekBGN8h8YW

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 1, 2024

After halftime, Kroos came close to doubling their advantage as he forced a strong save from Neuer. However, Thomas Tuchel then made a tactical switch with Sané moving to the right flank, which quickly paid off. The German international cut inside from the wing and unleashed a fierce strike that flew past Lunin at his near post.

UCL: Bayern end Arsenal's quest for Champions League glory (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)

Four minutes later and Kane had the opportunity to score his 43rd goal of the campaign from the penalty spot after Jamal Musiala was brought down inside the area by Lucas Vázquez. The England Captain duly rolled his kick into the bottom corner.

Bayern came close to scoring a third goal when Eric Dier met Joshua Kimmich's corner, but unfortunately for him, the header was planted straight at Lunin. Further missed chances from both sides ensured the match ended in a 2-2 draw. All to play for in Madrid next week. 

More reaction to this amazing match

Lauren, a Chelsea fan, watched the match as a neutral. She said: "It was a fascinating match to watch as a neutral. For me, it summed up why the Champions League is the greatest competition in world football and also why I really want Chelsea back in it."

Greg, a Spurs fan, added: "Many people on social media were calling the current Bayern team the worst in decades after they beat Arsenal, but that was nonsense. The team still has plenty of quality and experience in it. While they may not have been impressive in the league, they have still been performing well in the Champions League. I am already excited for the second leg now and believe the German side will progress. I might go out in London and support Harry Kane in the final."