Bayern and Real share spoils in dramatic fashion
The Champions League semifinal between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid remains wide open after the two European giants drew 2-2 in the first leg at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night.
Bayern started brightly and came close to opening the scoring through Leroy Sané on the opening whistle, but he was denied by Andriy Lunin.
While the Bavarians failed to convert their early chances, Real Madrid showed their ruthlessness on 24 minutes when Vinicius Junior came out of nowhere to put the visitors ahead. Toni Kroos played a fantastic through ball to the Brazilian, who raced in behind Kim Minjae before slotting past Manuel Neuer.
The opener shocked the hosts and boosted Real Madrid's confidence as they took control of the game and went into the break in front.
Real started where they left off after the break, with Toni Kroos testing Manuel Neuer with a curling effort in the 52nd minute.
But soon after, it was Bayern's turn to strike out of nowhere. Leroy Sané raced inside the Madrid penalty area before unleashing a powerful shot that flew in at the near post.
A few minutes later, things got even better for Bayern, as Lucas Vasquez fouled Jamal Musiala in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot. Harry Kane stepped up to fire Bayern in front, showing his customary composure.
Eric Dier had a golden chance to put Bayern further ahead in the 67th minute when he got on the end of Joshua Kimmich's corner, but he could only direct his header straight into the hands of Lunin.
Real tried to respond through Vinicius Junior, but Neuer made a fine save from a tight angle to deny him a second goal on 80 minutes.
Shortly after, however, the Brazilian international got his second of the night. The referee awarded a penalty to Real after Kim Minjae brought down Rodrygo in the penalty area, and Vinicius Junior stepped up to slot home to make it 2-2 in the 84th minute.
Bayern will no doubt rue Real's late equaliser, but there is still everything to play for in next week's return leg in Madrid.
