Bayern Munich and Real Madrid faced off in a thrilling Champions League semi-final, with the teams tied at 2-2 after Vincius Junior’s late penalty. Experts analyze the key points from the first leg in Bavaria.
What is Real Madrid’s secret?
Real Madrid faced a potential disaster in a European knockout tie, but they managed to recover with a comeback after Bayern’s quickfire second-half goals. The 2-1 result seemed to be a good start for Madrid, but they had to take stock before the second leg at the Bernabeu.
Ancelotti’s 4-3-3 tactical strategy provided cover for Lucas Vazquez, who was struggling against Jamal Musiala. Madrid’s last push ended the phony war, with Luka Modric and Brahim Diaz adding energy. Vinicius Jr.’s flick to Rodrygo tempted Kim Min-jae into a foolish penalty concession, but Vinicius Jr. demonstrated his big-game mindset by scoring a point right away.
Madrid and Los Blancos have managed to overcome challenges and secure a 2-2 draw at Bernabeu, aiming for another Champions League final. However, neither team is perfect and has had mixed power and dodgy moments throughout the competition this season. The second leg of the match is set for Wednesday.
How could Sane cause such chaos?
Leroy Sane, a doubt for tonight’s game due to a pubic bone injury, was expected to be on the right flank. However, injuries elsewhere led to Thomas Tuchel shuffled the pack, placing Sane on the left and Jamal Musiala on the right, with Thomas Muller playing alongside Harry Kane in a 4-2-2-2 formation.
The plan appeared effective in the first half, with Sane scoring in the first minute and regularly extending the Madrid back line with runs to receive first-time goals on his left foot.
Sane and Musiala played in half spaces, allowing Bayern’s full-backs to maintain width. In the second half, Sane regained parity with a driving run, drop of the shoulder, and thunderous finish at the near post, his first goal since October 28. Bayern switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Is Kroos a candidate for the Ballon d’Or?
In a match where Madrid was down, Bayern had six shots and no visitors threatened to score, Toni Kroos challenged his old teammate Thomas Muller with extreme aggression to set a good example for his teammates rather than focusing on getting the ball back.
Kroos played a crucial role in the game, assisting in the opening goal, which split the Bayern defence and allowed Vinicius Jr to finish first, demonstrating his ability to move the ball effectively.
Replays demonstrated how he planned the goal in advance, directing Vinicius Jr to run behind Bayern’s out-of-position centre-back Kim Min-jae, delaying the pass for the Brazilian to sprint into the space, and perfectly timing and weighting the assist.
Madrid took control of a tie after Bayern’s fast start, with confidence flowing through visiting players and ebbing from the home side. In the first half hour, Kroos completed all 36 passes, marking a memorable comeback to his former team. He left for Madrid on a €25m deal in 2014, and although he is out of contract in June, he is expected to renew with the club.
