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Bayern Munich played out a classic against Real Madrid in a Champions League game that will be cherished for years to come.
It was an absolute nightmare start for Bayern and Manuel Neuer. After 30 seconds, the ball was played back to the veteran, who is normally so comfortable with the ball at his feet. However, his pass to the right-hand side was undercooked, Güler intercepted, and curled in a first-time finish to set up a frantic start.
Just a few minutes later, it was Lunin’s time to drop a stinker. Kimmich’s corner looked as if it was going to be easily cleared by Lunin, but the Ukrainian completely fluffed his line, showing the same strength as a twig, and landed in the net along with the ball – Pavlovic with a header from the goalline to make it 1-1 and 3-2 overall.
Unsurprisingly, the game calmed down a bit after the opening exchanges, but was still played at a great tempo. Olise tried a couple of his mazing runs, Mbappe got in behind but couldn’t test Neuer, Kane with his sweeping cross-field balls, just a plethora of world-class talent on show.
Just before the 30-minute mark, Madrid fired themselves 1-2 up (3-3 on aggregate). Güler’s second of the night came via a free kick from around 25 yards. It was a fabulous strike, but replays showed that Neuer really should have done better with his save. The 40-year-old got a good glove to it and should have kept it out. Bayern will also feel that the foul in the build-up to the goal was harsh.
This only added to the frantic nature we saw at the start. Bayern looked to get back on the front-foot but a flurry of meaty challenges went flying in from both sides. Already, there was a real bite to this one with two heavyweights exchanging blows.
Guess what happened just ten minutes later? Yep, another goal! This time, it was Harry Kane to draw Bayern level and put them 4-3 up on aggregate. There were calls for a penalty beforehand, but Real just couldn’t clear their lines. Upamecano came forward with the ball and played an outstanding ball to Kane, who took one touch and fired it into the far corner. Harry Kane’s 50th goal in all competitions this season.
Five minutes later, Mbappe had his say! Madrid put together a sweeping move starting with Vinicious on the left. He cut open Bayern with a brilliant pass to Mbappe, who put it beyond Neuer. Madrid went 2-3 up and 4-4 on aggregate! The Frenchmen’s 15th goal in the Champions League this season.
The second half started in a much calmer fashion, with Madrid happy to slow things down. However, it didn’t last long. Trent found Mbappe with a fantastic cross from deep, the forward hit it on the volley, but was denied by a world-class save from Neuer. Turns out he does still have it!
Bayern then settled and enjoyed large spells of possession as they tried to open up Madrid. However, the away side still looked a threat on the break.
Just past the hour mark and Diaz should have scored for Bayern. Madrid were caught on the ball, Bayern were quick to move it across to Diaz, whose touch just got underneath him as he was one-on-one. The touch gave enough time for Trent to come back and make the tackle.
Enter the final quarter of the game, and Bayern were the team pressing for a winner, Madrid the more happy to take the pace off the game and counter when they could. A number of times, Olise went close as well as Upamecano, who should have scored from close range with his head.
With five minutes to go, substitute Camavinga received a second yellow and was given his marching orders. A completely unnecessary challenge. What didn’t help his case was the fact that he also picked the ball up and ran away with it.
88 minutes and the moment Luis Diaz dreamt of! The winger played a neat one-two with Musisala, the Colombian took one touch and fired it into the far corner. Replays showed it took a slight touch off Militao, which gave Lunin no chance. 3-3 on the night and 5-4 on aggregate!
With 20 seconds to play, Bayern had the chance to run it into the corner, but not Olise. He’d been trying that same effort all night. With ten seconds to go, he cuts in on his left and just curls it into the far post and in.
FULL TIME: Bayern 4-2 Real Madrid (6-4 on aggregate)
Bayern Munich 4-3 Real Madrid | Player Ratings
Bayern Munich:
Neuer (6) – Stanisic (4), Upamecano (7), Tah (6), Laimer (7) – Kimmich (8), Pavlovic (7) – Olise (8), Gnabry (5), Diaz (9) – Kane (8)
Others: Davies (6), Musiala (8)
Real Madrid:
Lunin (5) – Trent (7), Militao (7), Rüdiger (6), Mendy (6) – Diaz (7), Bellingham (7), Valverde (7), Güler (8) – Mbappe (8), Vinicius (7)
Others: Camavinga (2), Pitarch (N/A)
GGFN Player of the Match: Luis Diaz (9)
The winger looked like a threat all night and gave the Real defense a lot to think about. Ultimately, it all came down to that move in the 88th minute with Musiala. He took the chance with precision and class. The difference was in what was a Champions League classic.
GGFN | Jamie Allen
