Bayern Level with Real After First Leg
May 1, 2024 Thomas Tuchel made a few changes to the lineup starting Manuel Neuer in goal with Joshua Kimmich, Kim MinJae, Eric Dier and Noussair Mazroui in defense. Konrad Laimer and Leon Goretzka formed the double pivot with Leroy Sané, Thomas Müller and Jamal Musiala playing just behind Harry Kane in the attack.
Bayern came out of the gate playing well and controlling the ball leading to several chances, none better than one for Sané in the second minute that unfortunately was directly at the Madrid keeper.
However Real predictably waited for a Bayern mistake and found it as Goretzka and Laimer both ignored Toni Kroos who passed onto a wide open Vinicius after slipping Kim for an easy goal 0-1.
Tuchel replaced Goretzka with Raphaël Guerreiro to start the second half and Bayern would end up scoring in the 53 minute as Sané hit an absolute screamer past the keeper’s near post to tie it 1-1. Just three minutes later Musiala would win a penalty which Kane converted to make it 2-1.
The match then became more open with both sides having opportunities to score but ultimately Real would level things in the 83rd minute as Kim brought down Rodrygo in the box with Vinicius converting the penalty 2-2.
Three Things We Noticed
Wasted Opportunity
After going up 2-1 tonight, it felt like Bayern might have an opportunity to not only win this match but even pad their lead. They had struck quickly and decisively forcing Real to open up a bit more resulting in a few more chances in front of goal.
However, they were unable to convert those chances and instead conceded the equalizer late on sending Madrid back home with more confidence.
Against teams like Real, especially with the second leg away from home, you have to capitalize on any chances you have. You have to smell blood and put them in as big a hole as possible. Bayern had that opportunity but wasted it.
Comfortable
With that said, Real also never really felt uncomfortable in this match. Even when they were down 2-1, it never really looked like they were too concerned with how things were going.
They have an obvious belief in themselves that could ultimately be the difference maker in this tie. They know they’re better. They know that Bayern will make mistakes. They know they can and will capitalize on them.
For Bayern in the second tie, I think they’re going to have to do something to break Real out of that belief. There needs to be some kind of X factor that throws just a little bit of doubt in their head and if that happens they have to pounce.
Uphill Battle
Heading back to Madrid level on goals is not a bad result but it also makes the job a lot tougher. Going on the road in the Champions League is never easy and especially so in the semifinals at the Benabéu.
It is going to take a special night from Bayern to progress to the finals. However, this performance also should give them a little bit of hope that such a result is possible. Real are not unbeatable. There were chances in this match to expose them. There most likely will be chances next Wednesday.
Bayern simply have to play well and hope that Madrid make more mistakes. A healthy(er) Bayern might go a long way to helping that as well. Another week of rest might see Gnabry ready to play more minutes and presumably Musiala and Sané will benefit from another week of rest as well. Who knows, maybe a miracle will happen and de Ligt will be available.
Regardless, Bayern are now facing an uphill battle that will require ingenuity on Tuchel’s part and some fantastic performances from the Bayern players. The Final is still possible, but they’ll have to really earn it now in Madrid.
