Munich take the lead – Match review and player ratings (Real 1-2 Bayern)

Bayern Munich secured a 2-1 away win against Real Madrid on Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. Boosted by a superb performance from Manuel Neuer, the Bavarian side have put themselves in a strong position to progress.

A valuable away victory! At the end of a thrilling encounter, Bayern Munich beat Real Madrid 2-1 on Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.

Whilst the Merengues came up against a superb Manuel Neuer, the Bavarians made the difference through Luis Díaz and Harry Kane, despite a goal from Kylian Mbappé to keep the suspense alive. Ahead of the return leg at the Allianz Arena next Wednesday, the reigning German champions hold a narrow lead.

Neuer and Lunin shine, Diaz clinical

In a atmosphere befitting a big night, the two sides immediately engaged in an intense battle for possession. The Munich side, looking sharper, came within a whisker of opening the scoring, but Upamecano’s shot, from a perfect pull-back by Kane, was saved off the line by Carreras! Under pressure for several minutes, the Merengues responded with attempts from Mbappé and Vinicius, both thwarted by Neuer.

With some fine team moves, the Bavarians dominated proceedings but failed to capitalise on Madrid’s mistakes, as illustrated by a gift from Pitarch that Gnabry squandered against Lunin! Shortly afterwards, Neuer also saved his team by parrying a cross-shot from Mbappé! Dominant, Bayern were finally rewarded just before half-time: played through by Gnabry, Diaz slotted past Lunin (0-1, 41′).

Kane scores, Mbappé keeps the suspense alive

Straight after the break, the Munich side immediately doubled their lead with a strike from Kane on the edge of the box following a lay-off from Olise (0-2, 46’)! Kept in the game by a save from Lunin to deny a long-range effort from Olise, the Whites struggled to mount a comeback and were under pressure, with Carreras in particular looking under the strain. Then, following a massive error by Upamecano, Vinicius finally had the chance to get his side back into the game, but failed to hit the target with his effort against Neuer…

Moments later, Neuer was heroic once again, tipping a dangerous shot from Mbappé over the bar with his fingertips! After a first close call that went his way, the Frenchman finally managed to beat Neuer by tapping in from close range following a cross from Alexander-Arnold (1-2, 74′). With their spirits fully revived, the Madrid side pushed for an equaliser, but Neuer was always there to deny Vinicius. Despite a tense final few minutes, Bayern secured an important away win.

Match rating: 7.5/10

A good Champions League quarter-final. Early on, the two sides traded blows at a good pace. Despite Bayern Munich dominating possession, Real Madrid responded well with quick counter-attacks, with chances for both sides. The game then really came to life with goals from the Bavarians and a response from Madrid.