Despite heading in as the favourites, it took a sublime performance from Manuel Neuer in between the sticks to help Bayern Munich secure a narrow 2-1 win over Real Madrid in the first leg on Tuesday.
In fact, there were times when it looked like Real Madrid could have not only level things but also secure a lead. However, things did not pan out that way at the end and Los Blancos have still, on paper, lost the first leg at home.
That means Real Madrid must win by a two-goal margin at the Allianz Arena next week in order to book a place in the semifinals of the Champions League this season.
History doesn’t support Real Madrid
However, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, history doesn’t quite back Real Madrid, even in a competition that they have dominated like no other team.
Can Arbeloa’s side turn things around in the second leg? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Indeed, Real Madrid have been able to come back from behind only once in a European Cup Winners’ Cup after losing the first leg at home. That was in 1970, against Wacker Innsbruck.
Real Madrid have faced such a predicament six other times in European matches. But they have not been able to secure a comeback in any of the six after losing the first leg at home.
Bayern Munich, meanwhile, have a record of their own. Every time they have won a European tie away from home, they have managed to secure an aggregate victory, barring just one time.
That means the Bavarians have won 30 out of the 31 times they have won a European tie away from home, adding more pressure to Real Madrid, although Bayern themselves are mindful of their opponent’s quality heading into the second leg.
