Bayern Munich secured their first win over Real Madrid in ten attempts, claiming a crucial first-leg advantage in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final opener.
The Bundesliga side broke the deadlock just before halftime, with Luis Díaz sweeping the ball into the bottom-right corner after being released by a perfectly weighted through ball from Serge Gnabry.
Bayern struck again less than 30 seconds into the second half to double their lead in style, as Harry Kane guided a crisp side-footed finish from outside the box following a neat lay-off from Michael Olise.
The Estadio Santiago Bernabéu began to sense another famous Champions League comeback as Los Blancos increased the pressure. Vinícius Júnior rattled the sidenetting, while Manuel Neuer produced a one-handed save to deny Kylian Mbappé. The French forward eventually pulled one back, bursting forward to meet a low cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Both sides had chances to add another goal in an enthralling contest. Bayern substitute Jamal Musiala saw his effort roll just wide of the post, while Mbappé’s curling strike flew narrowly off target with Neuer rooted to the spot.
Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa believes his side can overturn the deficit in the second leg.
“I salute my players for continuing to attack and keeping the faith. We go to Germany knowing that we are capable of winning. When you play out and they press you, you have to be careful because it’s a dangerous phase of play. We have learned a lot about Bayern tonight,” he said.
His Bayern counterpart Vincent Kompany admitted disappointment that his team did not finish the job but remains confident ahead of the return leg.
“We should have put the tie to bed. Hopefully we’ll score at [home]; I see no reason why we can’t go on to win [the tie], but Real Madrid have incredible talent. It’s important to continue our momentum. They will give us a tough game and are the kind of team that can do someth”ing special, but so can we.”
Meanwhile, Kai Havertz popped up with a stoppage-time goal to snatch Arsenal a much-needed 1-0 away win over Sporting CP in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.
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