It was one of the most epic matches in the historic fixture FC Bayern against Real Madrid. The 2011/12 Champions League semi-final return leg at the Bernabéu had everything, including a most dramatic decision in the penalty shootout. FCB travel to face Real in the decisive duel to reach the final once again on Wednesday, and they aim to repeat the magical night of 25 April 2012.
Bayern had won the semi-final first leg 2-1 in Munich thanks to a late Mario Gómez goal. In "Generation Wembley", the documentary on the 2013 treble heroes, the players and coaches from back then tell how they experienced everything around the Champions League encounter with Real.
The myth Bernabéu
"A semi-final return leg is never a sure-fire success, even if you win the first leg 2-1, especially against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu," said former captain Philipp Lahm in the fourth episode. "The Bernabéu is a magical stadium. When you enter it, you feel history has been made there, it's magical in a sense," Holger Badstuber said about the myth of the legendary stadium.
The return leg in Madrid got off to anything but a good start from a Bayern point of view. Real were two goals up after only 14 minutes. "It wasn't easy. There are teams that break down in such a moment, especially against Real Madrid," said Manuel Neuer. "But we established a team spirit and character within the team," according to David Alaba. Arjen Robben got Bayern back into the game from the penalty spot.
Dramatic shootout
"It was a very open match. It went back and forth, it was not as if one team parked the bus. It was energy-sapping," Bastian Schweinsteiger said on the intense duel. The hard-fought match went to penalties after 120 minutes.
Neuer was one of the heroes with his saves, including against Cristiano Ronaldo: "I thought he wouldn't pick the other corner but go for it, so I went for it too." Schweinsteiger then converted the decisive penalty. "It certainly was one of the great moments in my career," said Schweinsteiger. It was an unforgettable evening for FC Bayern fans too, and they hope Munich will repeat this feat.
Stream the six-part documentary "Generation Wembley" now with FC Bayern TV PLUS:
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