A double from Vinicius Junior has put Real Madrid in a strong position going into next week’s Champions League semi final second leg as the Spanish giants fought back from a 2-1 deficit to grab a draw away with Bayern Munich.
The Germans will be peeved that they let the lead slip, but both Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti can take confidence that their side will have enough next week.
Real’s grip on this tournament means that they will always back themselves going into a home semi, while Bayern were never defeated and can play differently in Madrid.
“Bit of a strange game really,” said England legend Glenn Hoddle on the BBC.
“The goals were scored in moments where they didn’t look like they were coming. It is tight between the teams, nicely poised for the second leg.
“I think Real Madrid will be the happier of the teams, they had a little spell in the first half but didn’t have prolonged periods of dominance that Bayern had. That will probably come at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“We’ll have to wait and see.”
Harry Kane won the biggest mini-battle, overshadowing his England teammate and heir apparent as national team captain Jude Bellingham with a goal and an overall performance that showed his class throughout.
Bayern had been in the box seat after a stunning second half turnaround.
Trailing 1-0 at the break, Leroy Sane smashed in a stunning solo goal, cutting off the right wing and lashing a shot past Andriy Lunin from the edge of the area.
Thomas Muller then drew contact from Lucas Vasquez to win a penalty that Kane, inevitably, slotted home.
Vinicius was Real’s star man throughout.
He opened the scoring for the visitors and then added the penalty to peg Bayern back after their second half turnaround.
The Brazilian also created the foul for the penalty, slipping Rodrygo in with a smart pass that induced Kim Min-Jae to bring the forward down.
Toni Kroos, returning to the club where he made his name, was also influential in the first, picking out Vini with a magnificent pass that split Bayern open, leaving Kim again as the fall guy.
The run of play did not see either side do enough to win the tie in the first leg, and a draw was fair. It sets up a mouthwatering clash in Madrid, where Bayern will be able to play more on the break.
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That was clearly Real’s plan in the away leg: they split possession with the Bavarians, but played lethally on the counter, creating big chances from relatively limited opportunities.
“We always play to win, want to win but we know what the Champions League is like,” said Vini jnr.
“You can’t gift the ball away, you can’t concede goals because there will always be top rivals to take advantage.
“Right now, after this result, we need to keep our heads clear, be content with the position we are in and rest up as much as possible before the second leg.”
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