"Not our best game" – Kimmich reflects on win over Real Madrid and looks ahead to semi-final against PSG
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After Bayern Munich secured their place in the Champions League semi-finals with a 4-3 win over Real Madrid, sealing a 6-4 aggregate victory, Joshua Kimmich shared his thoughts on the game.
The Bavarians fell behind early after a costly mistake from Manuel Neuer inside the opening minute, but managed to recover and ultimately prevailed.
Kimmich admitted it was not Bayern’s strongest performance, but was pleased they still got the job done.
"There was a lot of drama. Of course, we didn't start the game the way we wanted to. But at half-time, we felt that the advantage was with us the longer the game went on. It paid off watching until the end," Kimmich told DAZN.
"We knew that both teams can hurt each other: Bayern with the high pressing, Real Madrid through quick transitions. We got off to a bad start, and then conceded again through a free-kick and a counter. The first half was hectic. The second half was calmer; we had more control and then managed to win it in the end.
"I don't think that tonight was a top performance. It wasn't our best game. But, of course, we're delighted with the win. We can't forget we've won on the night too. We're through to the final four with two wins. And I believe the best teams in Europe are now set to meet in the semi-final."
Looking ahead to PSG tie
Looking ahead to the semi-finals, Bayern will face Paris Saint-Germain, a side they have met multiple times in recent seasons with mixed outcomes.
Kimmich expects another tightly contested tie against the French champions, who advanced after a dominant 4-0 aggregate win over Liverpool.
“I saw Paris in the first leg. They are in pretty good form. You have to say they always seem to peak at the right time,” he said.
“We’ve beaten them twice in the last two years. Last season, however, we lost at the Club World Cup. I think those were always matches at a very, very high level. I’m definitely looking forward to both games.”
The first leg in Paris takes place on April 28, with the return leg in Munich on May 6.
