A thrilling encounter between two European superpowers, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid ended 1-2 at the Allianz Arena.
The German outfit opened the scoring in the 28th minute. Madrid got picked off the ball in the midfield and space opened up for Joshua Kimmich up front.
James Rodriguez did well to set the youngster off on the right-hand side. Kimmich took advantage of Keylor Navas’ predictable movements and deceived the cross with a smashed-in shot with his right foot. 1-0.
Just a minute before the first half whistle, the visitors went level through a wonder-strike from Marcelo. Dani Carvajal’s cross fell for Ronaldo right at the edge of the box but ended up at the feet of the Brazilian. A powerful strike with his left and no chance for the Bayern keeper. 1-1.
Madrid slowly began to take control of the midfield and started to get into an offensive rhythm. They pressed high on the counter and managed to catch a nervous Rafinha with the ball.
Marco Asensio intercepted the pass and quickly squared it off to Lucas Vazquez who repaid the Spaniard with a perfectly weighted ball on the left. Asensio cheekily dipped the ball past Ulrich to get his side the lead. 1-2.
Real Madrid haven’t had to be at their best tonight as the Bavarians dug their own graves with a couple of missed opportunities. The tie is in no way over just yet and we will just have to wait for the Second Leg on the 2nd of May.
Sven Ulreich – 5/10
The talent differential from Neuer to the fielded 29-year-old is just astounding to watch. He did make a couple of saves but could have done better for the second Madrid goal.
Rafinha – 4/10
Started out as a decent game for the Brazilian but turned into a shocker early in the second quarter. The fullback panicked and tried to square a pass to Hummels only to set Real Madrid for their second goal.
Matt Hummels – 5/10
Almost set Luka Modric up for a free shot on goal. Otherwise a mix of good and bad.
Jerome Boateng – 5/10
Held his own against the pacey Ronaldo but had to be taken off due to injury.
Joshua Kimmich – 7/10
An absolute peach of a finish from the right back and in total a solid display.
Javi Martinez – 5/10
Not exactly noticeable or impactful on the night.
James Rodriguez – 6/10
Got himself the assist with a perfectly weighted through. He ran hot and cold throughout the game. The Colombian lacked the magic that he once showed while at Madrid.
Thomas Mueller – 6/10
Connected a half-volley wonderfully with his left, inside the penalty box. He made the backdoor runs and was a pest in the Madrid defence.
Arjen Robben – NA
Forced off with an injury within the first 10 minutes of action. Shame.
Frank Ribery – 8/10
One of the best Bayern players on the pitch tonight. He twisted and turned his way past the entire opposition defence to form a constant threat. Did have a wonderful one-on-one opportunity with Navas but botched it with his first touch.
Robert Lewandowski – 5/10
Got a free header inside the box but couldn’t direct it away from Navas.
Substitutes :
Thiago – 5/10
A very poor start for the Spaniard. Never really adjusted to the pace of the game other than the one time he set up Ribery, free on goal.
Niklas Sule – 6/10
Filled in for the injured Boateng and was not too shabby.
Corentin Tolisso – N/A
