Three takeaways from Bayern Munich 2-2 Real Madrid | OneFootball

The Champions League semifinal between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich kicked off late on Tuesday night at the Allianz Arena, and the 90 minutes that followed had fans on the edge of their seats.

There was not a moment of calm between the opening and concluding whistles between the European giants and both sides tried to do one better with waves of incessant attacks.

Los Blancos earned the early lead through Vinicius Jr, but two quick-fire goals in the second period helped the hosts propel themselves back into the lead.

It was only a late penalty in the 82nd minute that enabled Carlo Ancelotti’s side to salvage the draw and return home without staring at a deficit.

Madrid Universal brings you three takeaways from Bayern Munich 2-2 Real Madrid.

Tough day for the defence

If Real Madrid’s 210 minutes against Manchester City proved to be a real test for the defence, last night’s clash against Bayern Munich was not any simpler.

On the night, Carlo Ancelotti made the understandable decision of starting Eder Militao on the bench with Antonio Rudiger and Nacho Fernandez in central defence. Lucas Vazquez and Ferland Mendy completed the defensive lineup.

From the get-go, Bayern pressed high in attack and looked to create inroads on goal. Thomas Tuchel’s side were threatening in possession, with their wingers particularly creating trouble for Real Madrid.

Leroy Sane quite clearly dominated the flank against Lucas Vazquez with a combination and his pace and trickery. He completed four successful dribbles with 100% accuracy, missed one big chance, provided a key pass and scored a sensational solo goal.

On the left, meanwhile, Mendy was put to a stern test against Jamal Musiala. The phenom did Sane one better, completing five dribbles, attracting four fouls, providing a key pass and winning a crucial penalty for his side.

The centre-backs’ suffering was no less on the night and Harry Kane and Thomas Muller kept them on their feet constantly.

Kane was accurate in the box, taking two shots on target, two off target, providing a stunning three key passes and creating one chance in addition to his goal from the penalty spot.

The star boy

While Bayern Munich’s attacks on the night involved a well-orchestrated buildup from all players in the final third, Real Madrid’s story was starkly different.

Real Madrid’s main man. (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)

Los Blancos were driven more by individual brilliance than by a collective effort, especially given that Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo were far from their best on the night.

The two players who stepped up at the Allianz arena, quite unsurprisingly, were Vinicius Jr and Toni Kroos.

Vinicius was a force to reckon with on the counter, and perhaps the team’s best player on the field by some distance. He got into a lovely scoring chance in the first half after Kroos’ defence-dissecting pass and made no mistake in taking his chance.

The forward then played a massive role in winning the late penalty for his side, accurately finding Rodrygo in the box, leading the foul on his compatriot.

Kroos, meanwhile, dictated the game against his former side from deep in midfield. His pass to set up Vini’s opener oozed class in every sense, and he came very close to scoring a goal of his own from long-range only to be denied by Manuel Neuer.

The Bernabeu awaits

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have played in the semifinal of the UEFA Champions League eight times, with the Germans edging ahead by winning four of the previous seven times. Real Madrid, notably, have won their last two meetings at this juncture.

The eighth meeting, through its first instalment, justified the tag of why the Spanish-German clash is the most played semifinal fixture in history. 90 minutes at the Allianz Arena could not determine a victor, but the game at the Bernabeu certainly will.

In a week, Real Madrid play host to Tuchel’s side at the Santiago Bernabeu in what will be a game to remember. Irrespective of the result, it will be Los Blancos’ final UCL game at the stadium this season, and one can expect a ferocious atmosphere.

Having done it the hard way against Manchester City, the Merengues will be pleased to enjoy the home advantage for the all-important second leg.

With nothing separating them at the halfway stage, there will be everything to play for in a week’s time. As a must-win fixture for both sides and a Champions League finale berth at stake, expect fireworks in Madrid.