Bayern shine at the Bernabéu: How the Reds ended a 25-year run

There was no avoiding this phrase in the build-up to this highly anticipated Champions League quarter-final: crunch time. No matter where the blockbuster clash between FC Bayern and Real Madrid was covered – whether in online media, podcasts, or newspapers – this term came up everywhere. Now we’re entering the decisive phase of the season, the big games – and the biggest ones of all. Bayern vs. Real is one of those legendary showdowns; no matchup has occurred more often in European competitions, no team has won more games in the Champions League than these two, and no side has reached the quarter-finals more frequently. 

That’s why the Munich men had spruced up the traditionally white-themed away dressing room at the Bernabéu with posters of the players and “crunch time” lettering, because now things were getting serious! Crunch time for FC Bayern this season began at the legendary Bernabéu – and how! No Bayern fan will forget this first leg of the quarter-finals anytime soon; it was packed with too many memorable moments. 

The biggest talking point before kick-off was Harry Kane’s ankle. Would he be fit enough to start? The answer: yes. Overall, Bayern’s starting line-up conveyed strength, the big names giving confidence. Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Michael Olise and Co approached the daunting assignment of the Bernabéu with self-assurance. The likes of Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies started on the bench. After nine games without a win against Real, it was time for a victory.

“It’s a top match,” said head coach Vincent Kompany before kick-off. “Of course we have full respect for Real, but we have an incredible amount of belief and confidence in ourselves. We want to progress. You always have to think about what you can achieve.” The Belgian was taking charge of his 100th competitive match as Bayern boss. His impressive record after the trip to Madrid: 76 wins, 13 draws, 11 defeats. The belief in his team that Kompany conveyed before kick-off was then evident in the 90 minutes on the pitch.

The visitors flew out of the blocks like Davies and Kylian Mbappé in a sprint race. After ten minutes of play, the Bavarians had an incredible 100 percent dribble success rate and four attempts on goal to zero. After an Olise free kick was deflected (7’), Dayot Upamecano had a big chance to give Bayern an early lead. In the ninth minute, Kane headed the ball across to the Frenchman, who was completely free a few metres from goal, but unfortunately he didn’t get the right contact on the ball. It remained 0-0, with Upamecano also having to do a first bit of excellent defending against Vinicius Junior at the other end. It proved to be the first of many tackles of the highest quality.

What then followed was a demonstration of Bayern’s strength. Up until the interval, the Reds had three big chances to the hosts’ one, 59 percent possession and 125-40 passes in the attacking third. Or to put it another way: Kompany’s men shone with collective creative brilliance and with individual quality from players like Olise and Neuer. But what also should not be forgotten is that Madrid had their chances, too: in the first half they had one more attempt on goal than Bayern (9-8). In the first 30 minutes, Neuer made two excellent saves against Mbappé, while at the other end, Serge Gnabry was caught by surprise when he was suddenly presented with a one-on-one chance after a misplaced pass.

Then a raw scream echoed through the imposing Bernabéu stadium in the 41st minute – originating from Bayern’s loud away section, as Luis Díaz finally gave the visitors a deserved lead. Kane, who gradually found his way into the game following his brief lay-off, was heavily involved in it, playing in Gnabry who set up the Colombian with a perfect through ball. “Lucho” kept his cool in front of Real goalkeeper Andriy Lunin and buried the ball into the bottom right corner. Gnabry is now on five assists in this Champions League campaign, Díaz on five goals. He only registered one more than that across his three seasons at Liverpool combined (six goals in 19 appearances).

Similar story in second half

After a thrilling first half and the much-needed opening goal, the second half immediately had the next twist in store. Real were determined to strike back after the break, but things turned out completely differently. Aleksandar Pavlović made an outstanding interception in midfield and the ball found its way to Olise, who set up Kane in the box. Then, just 20 seconds into the second half, Bayern led 2-0! The Englishman’s well-placed right-footed strike brought up his 11th Champions League goal of the current season. Since his move to Munich in 2023, Kane has scored 30 goals in 35 appearances in Europe’s premier club competition, more than any other player during that period. He is also only the third player to reach the 30-goal mark in this competition for Bayern, after Thomas Müller (57) and Robert Lewandowski (69). There were no signs of ankle problems as the striker roared with delight at the Bernabéu: crunch time, here we come! 

Meanwhile Olise, who once again stood out in FCB’s star-studded collective with his drive, ball control and assurance in possession, registered his sixth UCL assist of the campaign – putting him clear at the top of that category ahead of PSG’s Achraf Hakimi and teammate Gnabry (both five), and equalling the club record set by Hasan Salihamidžić in 2001/02 and Leroy Sané in 2021/22.

With their tails up, Bayern carried out the next waves of attack. You had the feeling that Kompany’s side wanted to steamroll Madrid on the night. Olise (56’) and Díaz (65’) had chances to make it 3-0, to name just two. But gradually a similar picture to the first half began to emerge again, with Real remaining highly dangerous on the counter. Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, Josip Stanišić and Co had to throw themselves into several challenges. Following a misplay by Upamecano, Vinicius had a free run at Neuer and rounded the five-time World’s Best Goalkeeper – yet Neuer managed to get a toe to the ball (61’). The next world-class save followed four minutes later: this time Mbappé tested the 40-year-old, but he got a hand to the Frenchman’s right-footed shot.

At full time, Neuer was deservedly recognised for his brilliant display with UEFA’s Player of the Match award. “Manu is chosen for this,” said Kompany. “He’s been showing it for so many years and he turned in a great performance. There aren’t many goalkeepers who are capable of that. I’m thrilled by his work every day. He’s one of the best goalkeepers of all time.” The man of the match gave an apt summary after an exciting 94 minutes: “It’s a shame that it wasn’t 2-0. We know how dangerous Real Madrid are. They also had some good chances and let some go, so we’re glad about the win here first of all,” said Neuer. “They have some of the best players in the world, who have a lot of pace, are good at dribbling and strong finishers – that’s very difficult to defend. If we stick close to each other, it’s easier but when they have space one-v-one, it’s very hard. Anything is possible.”

Real come again

The GOATkeeper couldn’t quite keep out the Real goal after 74 minutes, though. Mbappé got on the end of a fierce cross from the right and although Neuer tipped the ball onto the bar with reflex save number three, it bounced into the net. Real were back in it and so were the fans as “Hala Madrid” rang around the stadium. For some, memories of the bitter last-minute elimination in Madrid in the 2024 semi-finals may have come back. Please, not again. But this time, Bayern saw out a 2-1 victory and even had further opportunities, also thanks to the fresh legs of Musiala and Davies, brought on in the 69th minute.

This game could easily have finished 4-4, 2-2 or 3-1 to Bayern, but in the end it was an outstanding away win at the Bernabéu for a battling and technically brilliant FCB. The crowd of 77,000 were treated to 40 shots on goal – 20 for each side. The last time both teams posted numbers like that in the Champions League knockout stage was in the 2017 quarter-final second leg between Real (30) and Bayern (20), which Real won 4–2 at home. Thankfully, it was a different outcome this time.

In the long-standing rivalry with Los Blancos in European competition – the European Clásico – mentioned at the outset, the Bavarians made their mark again on Tuesday. Bayern are now the first club to have registered three away wins against Real Madrid in the Champions League. In addition, Kimmich and Co ended their nine-game winless streak against Real, as well as celebrating  a first away win at the Bernabéu since May 2001 (1-0 in the semi-final first leg). These encouraging signs for the second leg are just the beginning of this season’s crunch time, which will hopefully end with multiple titles. 

Focus on second leg at Allianz Arena

“We have great respect for them, and we’ll show that in Munich as well,” said Kompany looking ahead. “We know what kind of team they are and what kind of players they are. No matter what the score is, I’ll reset our mindset to zero. We want to win the game at home. I’m satisfied with the result but I know it’s not over yet. We’ll need another strong performance.” Board member for sport Max Eberl shared a similar view: “We won away at the Bernabéu, not many teams do that. Today we showed what we’ve built up over the season – we were brave, active and defended on the front foot. It’s clear that you’re going to concede a few chances against such a world-class team. We have to be just as alert and brave in possession in the second leg. Then, with our fans behind us, we can get the job done.” After the second leg against Real next Wednesday (April 15) at the Allianz Arena, the dream of the Champions League title should live on. 

All the reaction to the match in Madrid: