- Bayern Munich hosted Real Madrid in their Champions League semi-final first leg
- The two teams played out a 2-2 draw after an enthralling battle in Germany
- Come off it, Pep! Chris Wood didn’t miss chance after chance because of the dryness of the pitch – Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off! podcast
The spoils were shared in Germany as Bayern Munich and Real Madrid played out an enthralling 2-2 draw in their Champions League semi-final first leg tie on Tuesday.
Thomas Tuchel’s side started well at the Allianz Arena, but the Spanish giants struck first as Vinicius Jnr finished well after a delightful through ball from Toni Kroos.
Bayern came out firing in the second half and Leroy Sane got them back on level terms following a fine run and finish, before Harry Kane put the hosts ahead via a penalty when Jamal Musiala was fouled by Lucas Vazquez.
Kim Min-Jae then recklessly dived in on Rodrygo in the box, with Vinicius tucking home from the spot to score his second of the night and ensure the tie was finely poised heading into the second leg next week.
But who shone on the night? Mail Sport’s KIERAN GILL ran the rule over the two sets of players…
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1)
Manuel Neuer – 5.5
For a sweeper-keeper, Neuer was too deep and flat-footed when Vinicius broke behind, and later conceded a second from the penalty spot.
Joshua Kimmich – 6
The unlikely scorer of the goal that knocked out Arsenal had to stay close to Kim, who showed himself to be a liability here.
Kim Min-Jae – 4
Looked like a fitting replacement for the injured Matthijs de Ligt until Vinicius sold him a dummy to score and then foolishly gifted away a penalty.
Eric Dier – 6.5
From the Tottenham reserves to a Champions League semi-final, and could have marked it with not one but two headed goals from corners. Nearly.
Noussair Mazraoui – 6.5
Timing of his tackles was impressive, including one on Bellingham which led to Kane trying his luck from the halfway line.
Konrad Laimer – 7
Aggressively won the ball when Real looked to force breakaways. Forever involved in breaking up player but also the build-up for Bayern.
Leon Goretzka – 6
Will have a neck ache from checking over his shoulder for Bellingham, though Kroos was allowed too much time to play his inch-perfect pass.
Jamal Musiala – 7.5
One of the most exciting youngsters in Europe who never shied from sprinting straight at Real, winning a penalty after enticing Vazquez into a trip.
Thomas Muller – 6
Mr Munich was making his 150th Champions League appearance. Not his most vintage performance. Will need to do better at the Bernabeu if he starts.
Leroy Sane – 7.5
Ferocious finish to equalise after driving at Mendy. What a time to grab his first goal since October, especially after his earlier misses here.
Harry Kane – 7
Couldn’t score from the halfway line or a 25-yard free-kick. But with a stuttered step-up at the penalty spot, he finally got his goal.
SUBS
Raphael Guerreiro (for Goretzka, 45) – 7
Serge Gnabry (for Muller, 80) – N/A
Alphonso Davies (for Sane, 87) – N/A
MANAGER
Thomas Tuchel – 6
‘Tommy Tactics’, as Chelsea fans christened him, thought he’d won this but Kim cost Bayern.
Real Madrid (4-4-2)
Andriy Lunin – 6
Big save to deny Sane after 39 seconds when Bayern unlocked the back line, but later beaten by the same opponent at his near post.
Lucas Vazquez – 4.5
With Dani Carvajal suspended, Vazquez undid all of his hard work with a lazy dangled leg which brought down Musiala to gift Bayern their penalty.
Antonio Rudiger – 6.5
Passed the Erling Haaland examination but once Kane was gifted the chance to score from 12 yards, all of his good work was undone. Over to the Bernabeu.
Nacho – 6
Captain was camped around his own box in the opening period as Bayern piled on the pressure but organised it well until their brick wall was broken down.
Ferland Mendy – 6
Missed training this week with leg soreness. Not what you need when you have Sane sprinting at you as he cut inside and scored.
Federico Valverde – 7
Tried to drop to help Vazquez avoid being overwhelmed as he went from box to box. Classy player who has it all in his locker.
Aurelien Tchouameni – 7
Grew into the game after Bayern dominated the early exchanges and forever had to stay alert to Kane dropping deep to act as a playmaker.
Toni Kroos – 7.5
Ten years on from leaving Bayern, he is still cutting open defences, with his piercing pass for Vinicius possibly the Champions League’s best this season.
Rodrygo – 6.5
Overcame the flu which ruled him out of their last game as he won the penalty which allowed Real to make it 2-2.
Jude Bellingham – 5.5
English’s finest young footballer was nowhere near as domineering as we know he can be. Substituted after a frustrating 75 minutes for him.
Vinicius Junior – 8
Fooled Kim with how he dropped, only to spin and sprint as he opened the scoring. Gotcha. Then scored a second from the penalty spot.
SUBS
Eduardo Camavinga (for Nacho, 65) – 6
Luka Modric (for Kroos, 75) – 6
Brahim Diaz (for Bellingham, 75) – 6
Joselu (for Rodrygo, 87) – N/A
MANAGER
Carlo Ancelotti – 6.5
After a topsy-turvy game, Ancelotti will happily take this back to the Bernabeu.
REFEREE
Clement Turpin – 7
Can we borrow this guy for the Premier League please? Assured performance under pressure.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
