Bayern Munich and Real Madrid Draw 2-2 in Champions League Semifinal First Leg

Bayern Munich and Real Madrid played to a thrilling 2-2 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal at the Allianz Arena on April 30, 2024. Vinícius Júnior scored twice for Real Madrid, including a late penalty, to cancel out Bayern's second-half comeback and leave the tie evenly balanced heading into next week's second leg in Madrid.

Real Madrid took the lead in the 24th minute when Vinícius Júnior finished off a spectacular assist from Toni Kroos. Bayern Munich fought back after halftime, with Leroy Sané equalizing in the 52nd minute. Harry Kane then converted a penalty just four minutes later after Jamal Musiala was brought down in the box, putting Bayern ahead 2-1.

However, Vinícius Júnior scored from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute after a foul on Rodrygo, rescuing a draw for Real Madrid. The Brazilian winger's brace took his tally to 11 Champions League goals this season, while Kane's penalty was his 11th goal involvement, the most by an English player in a single Champions League campaign.

Why this matters: The winner of this semifinal will face either Borussia Dortmund or Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final. This match showcased the enduring rivalry between two of Europe's most successful clubs, who have now met 27 times in the European Cup, with 15 of those clashes coming in the semifinal stage.

Both managers praised their teams' performances in this closely contested match. "We showed great character to come back and get the draw," said Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. Bayern Munich's Thomas Tuchel was disappointed not to hold on for the win at home, but said, "The tie is still open and we will give everything in Madrid to reach the final."

The second leg will take place at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid on May 9, with the tie finely poised after this entertaining 2-2 draw in Munich. Real Madrid will be slight favorites on home turf, but Bayern Munich showcased their quality and will still feel confident of getting the result they need to progress to yet another Champions League final.

Key Takeaways

• Bayern Munich and Real Madrid drew 2-2 in Champions League semifinal 1st leg.
• Vinícius Júnior scored twice for Real Madrid, including a late penalty.
• Harry Kane's penalty gave Bayern Munich a 2-1 lead, but Vinícius equalized.
• The winner will face Borussia Dortmund or Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
• The 2nd leg in Madrid is finely poised, with Real Madrid slight favorites at home.