Bayern Munich 2-2 Real Madrid: Thrilling UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg ends all square

Two goals from Vinicius Junior ensured Real Madrid came away from Bayern Munich with a draw after an engrossing UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg.

In a pulsating tie featuring two European heavyweights that swung both ways, it is arguably advantage Real heading into next week’s return leg in Spain, with a place in the final at Wembley on the line.

Bayern had nothing to show for their early pressure and were then punished midway through the first half when Toni Kroos’ pass sliced open their defence before Vinicius Jnr. applied the finishing touch.

Vinicius’ bow to praise Kroos said everything about the assist, and for the Brazilian it was a goal at the Champions League semi-final stage for a third straight season.

That came against the run of play, as did Bayern’s leveller after half-time, with Sane sneaking a fierce effort into the near post past Andriy Lunin.

And just four minutes later, Bayern completed the turnaround, with Lucas Vazquez fouling Jamal Musiala inside the area before Kane scored from the penalty spot with a cool stutter run-up and finish.

The drama was not over though, with Kim Min-jae fouling Rodrygo and allowing Vinicius Jr. to score his second of the night.

It was a funny old game. Real Madrid were not exactly coasting but looked comfortable after the break, knowing a one-goal advantage from this away leg would make them firm favourites to make the Wembley final.

And then, it all changed in a flash. Credit to Thomas Tuchel for making a half-time change, and credit to Sane and Musiala as well, who orchestrated the comeback and gave Bayern every chance of beating Real on the night.

But ultimately, it was spoils shared due to mistakes, with Kim undone for the first goal and then gifting Real their second as well.

“It doesn’t matter what level you play at. Mistakes, mistakes, mistakes will cost you dearly,” Steve McManaman said on TNT Sports co-commentary. “Why is he making that decision with Dier sweeping behind him?”

A tight call with Musiala shining for Bayern, but two goals away from home in a Champions League semi-final? That’s what big-game players do, and for Vinicius Junior it resulted in a third straight season reaching 20 goals in all competitions.

Bayern Munich: Neuer 6, Kimmich 6, Kim 3, Dier 6, Mazraoui 5, Laimer 5, Goretzka 4, Sane 7, Muller 5, Musiala 7, Kane 6. Subs: Guerreiro 6, Gnabry 6, Davies n/a.

Real Madrid: Lunin 6, Lucas 5, Rudiger 6, Nacho 5, Mendy 6, Valverde 5, Tchouameni 5, Kroos 7, Bellingham 5, Rodrygo 6, Vinicius Junior 8. Subs: Camavinga 6, Modric 6, Brahim 6, Joselu n/a.

1’ BIG SAVE ALREADY! - What a start that almost was for Bayern inside 45 seconds… Kane puts Sane through on goal but from a narrow angle Lunin makes a crucial save with his feet.

24’ GOAL! BAYERN MUNICH 0-1 REAL MADRID (VINICIUS JUNIOR) - CLINICAL. Kroos. Vinicius Junior. Goal. It’s a sublime through ball from Kroos that opens up the Bayern defence, and with Neuer reluctant to come out, it’s all too simple for Vinicius Junior from 15 yards out as he slides his effort past the Bayern ‘keeper.

53’ GOAL! BAYERN MUNICH 1-1 REAL MADRID (SANE) - WOW. From nothing! Two touches take Sane into the area from the right-hand side and seemingly out of the blue he strikes it with immense power, past Lunin and into the goal at the near post. “That should not go in,” says McManaman, but it was past Lunin in a flash!

56’ PENALTY TO BAYERN - It’s a penalty to Bayern, with Vazquez dangling out a leg and fouling Musiala in the area… Kane to take!!

57’ GOAL! BAYERN MUNICH 2-1 REAL MADRID (KANE PENALTY) - It’s a stutter from Kane and he rolls it to Lunin’s right as the goalkeeper dives left. ANOTHER player with that stutter run-up to see where the ‘keeper goes first. It’s the Vogue penalty.

82’ PENALTY TO REAL MADRID - It’s sloppy from Kim… He brings down Rodrygo and that isn’t getting turned over.

83’ GOAL! BAYERN MUNICH 2-2 REAL MADRID (VINICIUS JR PENALTY) - Vinicius Jr has to wait for what feels like an age, but eventually he slots the ball virtually down the middle, and suddenly it’s level on the night and arguably advantage Real if it stays like this.

Vinicius Jr. has scored in three Champions League semi-finals in three consecutive seasons.

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