Bayern Munich - Real Madrid summary: score, goals, highlights | Champions League

Jinking Jamal

Jamal Musiala is such a menace when he puts his head down and runs at defences. He gave a very strong second-half performance.

Müller milestone

Thomas Müller played his 150th career game in the Champions League today, becoming the first German player to bring up the milestone in Europe's elite men's club competition.

Madrid's unbeaten UCL streak continues

Today's draw in Munich stretches Real Madrid's unbeaten run in the Champions League to 11 games. Los Merengues last lost in the competition in May 2023, in that semi-final second-leg walloping by Manchester City.

More UCL action to come tomorrow!

After that entertaining draw in Munich, the eyes of the soccer world will now turn further north to Dortmund, where BVB host Paris Saint-Germain in this week's second semi-final first leg.

You'll of course be able to follow live-text coverage of that clash with AS USA. Build-up will begin about two hours before kick-off at Signal Iduna Park, which is scheduled for 3pm ET/12 noon PT.

If you'd to know how you can watch that game on TV or online, check out our guide on where to tune in.

Quality Kroos

Toni Kroos was marvellous once again tonight. His assist for Vinícius' opener really was something else. He's having a fabulous season.

When did Bayern last win at the Bernabéu?

Obviously, Bayern can still go through if they don't beat Real Madrid at the Bernabéu next week - but if they want to reach the final without needing penalties, they'll have to end more than two decades without an away win over Los Blancos.

Bayern last beat Madrid in the Spanish capital in May 2001, when Giovane Élber gave the Germans a 1-0 victory in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals.

Since then, Bayern are winless in seven visits to the Bernabéu, losing six of them.

"The Bernabéu will be a white-hot inferno"

AS journalist and No. 1 Real Madrid fan Tomás Roncero seems happier with the 14-time European champions' performance than Ancelotti.

"Once again, a great display by Real Madrid in their competition, the Champions League," Roncero has tweeted. "The Bernabéu will be a white-hot inferno in the second leg on 8 May."

Result better than display - Ancelotti

Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has just been speaking to Spanish TV channel Movistar - and didn't seem massively enthused with Los Blancos' display in Munich.

“A good result, but we could have put in a better performance," Ancelotti said. "The best moment for us was at the start of the second half - and that’s just when they scored twice.”

Madrid extend unbeaten run against Bayern

Madrid are now unbeaten against Bayern in eight straight meetings going back to April 2012.

Los Blancos have also stretched their away undefeated sequence against Bayern to four Games.

When is the Real Madrid vs Bayern second leg?

Real Madrid now face Cádiz in LaLiga on Saturday, before hosting Bayern in the second leg at the Bernabéu next Wednesday, 8 May.

As ever, kick-off at the Bernabéu will be at 3pm ET/12 noon PT.

Madrid could go into that return leg as the newly crowned Spanish champions: if they beat Cádiz at the weekend and Barcelona fail to defeat Girona, Los Blancos will seal the title.

Bayern visit Stuttgart in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

History on Real Madrid's side after away first-leg draw

Now this is a stat from Mister Chip: Real Madrid have won 23 out of 24 two-legged ties in Europe after drawing the first leg away from home.

Bayern 2-2 Real Madrid: full-time thoughts

It was a topsy-turvy game in Bavaria. Bayern came flying out of the traps, but Madrid weathered the storm, took the lead, and looked in control.

That all changed when Leroy Sané burst into the box and thundered an utterly unstoppable shot past Lunin. A moment later, Kane's penalty completed the turnaround.

However, with Bayern looking the likeliest to get the next goal, Vinícius did ever so well to create the Rodrygo opening that earned Madrid a penalty - and parity. Vini made no mistake from 12 yards.

It's all to play for in Madrid next week!

Peeep peeep peeep! It's all square at the halfway stage in the tie.

Can anyone find a late winner? Bayern get Kane haring torwards the right-hand byline, where he crosses - but sends a powerful delivery across the box and away from danger. 

As Kane thundered into the Madrid area, by the way, Tchouaméni dived in on the striker - and could very well have ended up giving away a penalty. A very, very risky challenge by the Frenchman.

Vázquez is booked for a foul on Davies.

Kim and Joselu are both left in a heap on the turf when they challenge for a left-wing cross and clash heads.

After a dab of the magic sponge, they're both back up and OK.

Three minutes of time added on in Munich.

Kane's milestone UCL goal

According to the soccer stats guru Mister Chip, Kane's penalty was the 500th goal by an Englishman in the Champions League.

There are timid shouts for another Madrid penalty... but Mazraoui got the ball when he tackled Brahim on the corner of the Bayern box. I think it was outside the area, anyway.

Both teams make substitutions.

For Bayern, Sané is off for Alphonso Davies - a player Madrid are very interested in buying this summer.

For Madrid, Rodrygo is replaced by Joselu.

Immediately, Gnabry goes in seacch of that goal Tuchel promised. Cut back inside from the right-hand touchline, the German waits and waits to find a yard of shooting space - and when he does, he pumps his strike well over the bar. Ah, and he was offside anyway, it seems.

Kim is booked for the foul, and Vinícius will take the spot-kick.

Penalty to Real Madrid!

They may well get themselves back into this! Vinícius does wonderfully well to create an opening for Rodrygo, who tries to burst past Kim inside the box - and is brought down by the defender!

Just under ten minutes, plus stoppage time, to go in Allianz Arena.

Can Madrid get themselves back into this?

Bayern take off Müller, who is replaced by Serge Gnabry.

A reminder that Tuchel swore blind in his pre-match press conference that Gnabry would score against Madrid. We're about to find out just how effective the Bayern boss's crystal ball is.

And he almost has another goal involvement there!

Modric lifts a delicious, curling pass into Vinícius' run into the box, with Kim giving chase. The Brazilian strikes from an angle, but can't beat Neuer!

Venomous Vini

Opta note that Vinícius Júnior has more goal involvements in the Champions League than any other player since the 2021/22 season.

Again Real Madrid win a free-kick on the left, and again the ball into the box isn't very good. With his first touch since being brought on, Modric offers up a weak delivery.

Ancelotti replaces Bellingham and Kroos with Brahim Díaz and Luka Modric.

Madrid win a free-kick on the left, which Kroos will take.

Can the visitors get themselves back on terms?

Nope, they can't. Kroos' delivery doesn't beat the first man.

Madrid really are on the ropes right now. Again Bayern come forward, Müller lifting it to Musiala on the left-hand side of the box. He tries to volley it across goal to find Laimer's run into the box, but his attempted pass is cut out. Had he found Laimer, that would have been a clear-cut chance for a third.

Kimmich's delivery is directed towards Kim's head, but Lunin gets a fist to it and forces a second corner.

Again Kimmich whips the ball in - and when Dier heads it down, it's only by a miracle that a Bayern player doesn't turn it into the net!

Madrid are rocking.

Bayern really have their tails up. On the left, Musiala skips past Vázquez as if the defender weren't there, and wins the hosts a corner.

Kimmich to take.

Madrid are about to make a double substitution.

Twice Bayern create chances for a third.

First, Musiala scuttles forward and plays it into the middle to Kane, who controls and shoots - but has his effort deflected just past Lunin's post.

The corner is delivered right onto Dier's head, and he makes a very good connection. He sends his header too close to Lunin, though. Either corner, and it was 3-1.

Madrid make their first change of the night, replacing Nacho with Eduardo Camavinga.

Camavinga goes into the midfield, with Tchouaméni stepping back into defence.

Kroos brings Kane down as the Englishman looks to break, and is rewarded with a yellow card.

A moment earlier, Madrid created a half chance through Vinícius. Found on the edge of the Bayern box, he burst into the area and had his shot blocked. The loose ball fell back to the Brazilian, but with Bellingham waiting in the middle, Vinícius couldn't work it back across goal.

Bayern celebrate Sané's equaliser at the Allianz Arena.

Can Real Madrid respond to the double hammer blow they've received in the first quarter of an hour of this second half?

Rodrygo shows neat footwork to scamper forward down the right and into the Bayern box, but Dier steps across and deals with the danger very well.

As a certain Scotsman once said: Football, bloody hell.

Bayern sense the chance to put daylight between themselves and Madrid, who are shell-shocked.

Kane busts into the penalty area and tumbles under Rüdiger's challenge - but with the home fans screaming for a second spot-kick, Clément Turpin waves away the appeals. It was never a pen.

Penalty to Bayern Munich

Blimey. A couple of minutes ago, Madrid were 1-0 up and with a good stranglehold on the game.

A minute after levelling, Bayern win a penalty!

Musiala jinks into the box from the left, bursts past Vázquez, and is brought down by the right-back. Turpin has no hesitation in pointing at the spot!

Indeed, Madrid look a very decent bet to stretch their lead. They go close to doing just that here, when Vinícius shows great hussle to keep hold of the ball and prod it to Bellingham.

Bellingham lays the ball left to the onrushing Kroos, who is arriving at pace in shooting space on the left-hand corner of the Bayern box.

Kroos curls a first-time effort towards Neuer's far top corner, but the Bayern keeper beats it out!

The opening moments of this second half bear very little resemblance to the initial period in the first 45. Madrid have Bayern much more closely shackled.

Madrid get their first chance to mount an attack, Bellingham bringing it over the halfway line and feeding it left to Vinícius.

The Brazilian cuts inside, looks up and sees Vázquez bursting forward into space on the opposite flank. He tries to ping a crossfield ball into the Spaniard's path, but it's just overhit. Vázquez gives Vinícius a thumbs-up despite the wayward ball.

Bayern start on the front foot, but Tchouaméni does ever so well to dispossess Musiala when the German tries to drop a shoulder and dance past the Frenchman just outside the Madrid box.

Peeeep! We're back underway in Bavaria.

No changes for Real Madrid.

Guerreiro is on for Goretzka.

Teams back out in Munich!

The players are making their way back out on to the pitch at the Allianz Arena, where Bayern are preparing to bring on Rapahel Guerreiro.

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Toni Kroos nears Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League record

Toni Kroos, incidentally, is closing in on a Champions League record held by his former Real Madrid team-mate, Cristiano Ronaldo. 

My colleague Calum Roche has the full lowdown.

"Kaiser Franz"

Here, courtesy of Bayern's social-media team, is a better look at that spectacular pre-match mosaic in honour of the legendary Franz Beckenbauer.

Landmark appearance for Nacho

Per Pedro Martin, by the way, this is Real Madrid defender Nacho's 400th career game for club and country.

"This is Real Madrid"

"This is Real Madrid," purred AS journalist Tomás Roncero after Los Merengues' opener in Munich. It really is: how many times now have we seen them look second best, only to ride out the pressure and come up smiling?

Vinícius Júnior celebrates scoring the opening goal at the Allianz Arena.

Peeep peeep peeep!

Bayern started like an express train, carving out a number of shooting chances. However, Madrid did what they are past-masters at doing: they weathered the storm, and when an opportunity came their way, they took full advantage of it.

Since that opening Bayern onslaught, Los Blancos have looked much more at home.

And that Kroos ball to Vinícius for Madrid's goal: it really was a thing of beauty.

Kroos plays it short to Valverde, who lays it off for the German to whip it into the middle. Bayern deal with Kroos' delivery, and that will be that for the first half!

Rodrygo takes - but thumps it into the wall, and it deflects behind for a corner.

Madrid launch a quick attack in response, working it to Bellingham in space in the right-hand channel. He bursts past Mazraoui and is about to advance into the area, but is brought down by the defender, who is booked.

It's Madrid's turn to stand over an enticing free-kick chance.

Kane does indeed take... but thumps his effort a yard or so wide!

He got plenty of welly behind it, but opted for Lunin's side of the goal and was unable to catch the Madrid keeper out.

Musiala brings the ball forward towards the Real Madrid box, before jinking to the left and past Nacho.

Nacho sticks out a leg and can only bring Musiala down, giving Bayern a very dangerous free-kick just outside the area.

Kane will take, it appears...

Vinícius (right) celebrates his goal with its architect, Toni Kroos.

Mazraoui wins a corner, which Kimmich will take. Goretzka gets his head to the delivery at the back post, but his effort loops up, across goal, and wide. And the whistle has gone for a foul, anyway.

Mazraoui tries to feed a low ball into Sané, who has stepped into the left-hand side of the area. It's cut out.

Bayern continue to knock it about in front of the Madrid defence, but the sense of attacking danger is much less acute right now.

Rodrygo carries the ball forward, before slipping it left to Vinícius. He tries to send a cross into the box, but it's deflected behind for a corner. That's absolutely fine by the visitors.

It's a different game now.

Vinícius tumbles under Goretzka's challenge, but Monsieur Turpin wags his finger in the Brazilian's direction when Madrid ask for a free-kick.

Valverde then steers a cross into the Bayern box from the right-hand channel, but it's headed clear.

Again Bayern come at Madrid, but Sané treads on the ball and Kroos can bring it clear.

Madrid take the opportunity to pop the ball about for a decent, sustained period. Los Merengues look much happier about life now.

At the other end, Musiala jinks in from the right, before laying it off to Goretzka at the top of the box. He's given time to wrap his boot around a low effort on goal, but Madrid defenders throw themselves in the path of the shot. It bounces away to safety.

Again Madrid look to get Vinícius haring forward at the Bayern defence, but Bellingham's ball is just too close to Kim Min-jae, who holds the Brazilian off and snuffs out the danger.

Bayern come forward in search of a quickfire response to that Madrid opener, and there are appeals when Vázquez tangles with Sané on the edge of the box. Clément Turpin says no.

Bellingham racking up UCL apps

By the way, Bellingham is making his 32nd appearance in the Champions League today. Per Opta, only Cesc Fàbregas has managed more games in the competition before his 21st birthday.

Kane looks to slide a through ball that splits the Madrid defence and releases Sané in on Lunin, but the striker's pass isn't quite on the money.

At the other end, Madrid win their first corner of the night - but when Kroos plays it short to Vinícius, the Brazilian slices a horrible cross high and wide. Kroos throws his arms up in frustration.

Madrid are starting to get a foothold now; most significantly, they're finally getting Kroos onto the ball.

With his back to goal, Vinícius tries to spin and head towards the Bayern goal, but is dispossessed.

For pretty much the first time tonight, Madrid enjoy more than five seconds on the ball.

Kroos lifts it out to the right to Vázquez, who touches it to Valverde.

The Uruguayan tries to fizz a pass into Bellingham, some 25 yards out from the Bayern goal in a central area, but the Englishman is beaten to the ball.

Laimer looks up and clips a ball into the area to Müller, who has peeled away from Nacho and into a yard of space.

Müller can't pull the ball down, however, and Nacho does enough to get in the German's way.

Bayern are in total control as things stand. But, well, we've been here before with Real Madrid in the Champions League, haven't we?

Kimmich whips a right-wing ball into the Madrid box, but Rüdiger head away.

The hosts win it right back, though - much to the home fans' delight. They roar with approval.

Real Madrid just can't get out. With Los Blancos camped out on the edge of their own box, Bayern keep it in the Madrid half for a good couple of minutes. 

Madrid briefly win it back, before Bayern regain possession and work it to Musiala on the right-hand corner of the visitors' box. He quickly gets it out of his feet and shoots, but sends his strike too high!

Now Kane tries to beat Lunin from the halfway line - but is a couple of yards too high with his effort!

Ancelotti is furious with Tchouaméni, who gives it away sloppily in the midfield. The Frenchman's slip allows Bayern to release Sané into space on the left, where he bursts forward - but can only shoot over the bar.

Bayern are enjoying much the better of this opening period.

One corner becomes two. The second is delivered a little too long, but Bayern recycle it back out to the right, feeding it to Sané to cut inside. 

Sané slips a lovely little backheel into Kané on the right-hand side of the area, where he doesn't need a second invitation to shoot.

Shoot he does, but it's too close to Lunin.

Back come Bayern, who really have come out with the bit between their teeth.

Musiala plays a one-two and skips into the box. He can't find a team-mate in shooting space, but he does win a corner.

It's very early days, of course. But, so far, it has pretty much all been played inside the Real Madrid half.

Goretzka looks up and tries to feed the ball into Sané on the edge of the Madrid box, but his pass is ever so slightly wayward. Madrid clear.

And right away, Bayern create a fine opportunity to open the scoring!

Harry Kane slips Sané into shooting space on the left-hand side of the box, where the German shoots low. Lunin does very well to repel Sané's effort from an angle, though.

Peeep! We're underway in Munich!

Spectacular mosaic in honour of Beckenbauer

Out come the teams!

The Bayern fans unfurl a huge mosaic in honour of club great Franz Beckenbauer, who passed away in January.

Final reminder of the Bayern and Real Madrid teams

We have just under five minutes to go until kick-off in Munich, where the players are about to make their way out onto the pitch.

Here’s a final look at the line-ups:

Real Madrid: 

Lunin, Vázquez, Rüdiger, Nacho, Mendy, Valverde, Tchouaméni, Kroos, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinícius

Bayern Munich:

Neuer, Kimmich, Kim, Dier, Mazraoui, Laimer, Goretzka, Sané, Musiala, Müller, Kane.

Who's the VAR for Bayern vs Real Madrid?

The video assistant referee (VAR) will also be a Frenchman. Jérôme Brisard will be manning the video booth, supported by assistant VAR Willy Delajod, also French.

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Who is Clément Turpin, the referee for Bayern - Real Madrid today?

Today's referee, by the way, is Frenchman Clément Turpin. 

Real Madrid fans will remember him as the man who took charge of Los Blancos' 2022 Champions League final win over Liverpool.

We've put together a profile of the 41-year-old official.

Closing in on kick-off in Bavaria!

Real Madrid are also well into their warm-up at the Allianz Arena.

Twenty minutes to go until kick-off.

Madrid now UCL favourites, Opta say

After eliminating the holders, Real Madrid have established themselves as the favourites to win this season's Champions League, according to Opta's 'supercomputer'.

Opta give Madrid a 36% chance of lifting their 15th European crown this term, with PSG second-favourites on 30%. 

Bayern are rated as third likeliest tournament winners, with a 20% chance, and Dortmund fourth, with a 14% possibility of claiming the trophy.

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When is Bayern Munich - Real Madrid? Times, how to watch on TV and stream online | Champions League

If you'd like to know how to watch Bayern vs Real Madrid on TV or online, by the way, I suggest you take a look at our guide on where to tune in.

Bayern Munich's Eric Dier (left) and Harry Kane warm up ahead of kick-off.

(Photo: REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach)

Ancelotti faces former club

In Bayern and Real Madrid's Champions League quarter-final clash seven years ago, Carlo Ancelotti was on the Germans' bench. 

The Italian spent just over a year in charge of Bayern between 2016 and 2017, leading to the team to the German league title in his only full season in charge.

He was sacked by Bayern in September 2017, soon into his second campaign as boss, after a heavy Champions League defeat to PSG.

Ancelotti is one of a few individuals at Madrid with a Bayern past, of course. Toni Kroos plays against his old club today, and David Alaba surely would have, were he not injured.

Madrid on unbeaten run against Bayern

So, Real Madrid have enjoyed success in Bavaria in recent years - and, in fact, the Spaniards are on an excellent run against Bayern whatever the venue.

Madrid are unbeaten in seven games home or away against Bayern, since going down 2-1 in Munich in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals in 2011/12.

Los Merengues have won the teams’ last three Champions League knockout ties: the 2013/14 semi-finals, the 2016/17 quarter-finals and the 2017/18 semi-finals.

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How have Real Madrid fared in Munich in the past?

If you want to read more about Madrid's past record in Munich, let me point you in the direction of this piece by my colleague Andy Hall.

A decade on from Madrid's historic 4-0 win in Bavaria

Most memorably, Ancelotti led Madrid to a famous 4-0 away win over Bayern 10 years ago - almost to the day. 

On 29 April 2014, Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals each as Los Blancos earned their first ever road win over the Bavarians.

That triumph, of course, sent Madrid into that year’s Champions League final in Lisbon, where they won the club’s 10th European Cup.

Then-Bayern boss Pep Guardiola later described his tactical approach to the Germans’ 4-0 defeat to Madrid as the “biggest cock-up” of his coaching career.

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Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti’s incredible record against Bayern Munich

Tuchel has a good record against Real Madrid - has only lost one of the eight games he has managed against Los Blancos.

However, Carlo Ancelotti has an even better record against Bayern: the Real Madrid coach is unbeaten in eight matches against the Germans, with a tally of  six wins and two draws.

My colleague Roddy Cons has more on the success Ancelotti has enjoyed against Bayern.

Men in black

Real Madrid, meanwhile, were sporting this slick, all-black pre-match get-up as they arrived at the Allianz Arena.

"What a reception!"

As this video shows, Bayern's team got quite the reception when they pulled up at the stadium a little while earlier.

Kane's quadruple century

Harry Kane leads the line for Bayern having so far scored 42 goals in 42 goals in his first season in Bavaria.

At the weekend, the England captain brought up a major career milestone as he bagged two against Frankfurt: he netted his 400th goal for club and country. Decent.

Trio of changes for Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel makes three changes to the Bayern team that beat Frankfurt at the weekend. Matthijs de Ligt, who is struggling with a knee problem, is replaced at centre-back by Kim Min-jae.  

Jean-Éric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Raphael Guerreiro also make way, with Leroy Sané and Jamal Musiala returning to the side.

Confirmed Bayern Munich line-up

Bayern's starting line-up has just dropped. It is: Neuer, Kimmich, Kim, Dier, Mazraoui, Laimer, Goretzka, Sané, Musiala, Müller, Kane.

Bayern fans welcome the team bus as it arrives at the Allianz Arena ahead of today's Champions League semi-final first leg.

(Photo: REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth)

Real Madrid dressing room all set

I can report that Real Madrid's kit has been impeccably folded.

What the coaches said: Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid

Can Real Madrid repeat 2022 'doblete'?

While Bayern are out of the running in the Bundesliga, Real Madrid remain well placed to do a second LaLiga-Champions League double in three years.

Los Blancos lead LaLiga by 11 points, and could wrap up their 36th Spanish title as early as this weekend. If they defeat Cádiz and second-placed Barcelona fail to beat Girona, Madrid will be champions.

In the 2021/22 season, I'm sure you'll remember, Madrid won their 35th LaLiga title and were crowned European champions for the 14th time in their history.

Atmosphere building in Munich

It's shaping up as a lovely evening for football in Bavaria.

Ancelotti rings changes from La Real win

Having fielded a second-string side for Friday’s LaLiga win at Real Sociedad, Carlo Ancelotti makes nine changes to the team that started in San Sebastián.

Lucas Vázquez deputises at right-back for the suspended Dani Carvajal, and Ferland Mendy is back on the left after missing the La Real game with a niggle. 

After a bout of gastroenteritis, Jude Bellingham remained on the bench four days ago, but is back in the side for tonight’s box-office clash in Munich. 

Nacho Fernández partners Antonio Rüdiger at centre-back, so Aurélien Tchouaméni starts in midfield today, at the expense of countryman Eduardo Camavinga.

Also of note is the fact that goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is back on the bench, for the first time since doing his ACL in August.

Real Madrid confirmed line-up

I do apologise, Real Madrid have gone so early with their team announcement that they caught me napping. Carlo Ancelotti's starting line-up, which was confirmed just about two hours before kick-off, is: Lunin, Vázquez, Rüdiger, Nacho, Mendy, Valverde, Tchouaméni, Kroos, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinícius.

Real Madrid: last five games

26 April: Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid (LaLiga)
21 April: Real Madrid 3-2 Barcelona (LaLiga)
17 April: Manchester City 1-1 Real Madrid (UCL)
13 April: Mallorca 0-1 Real Madrid (LaLiga)
9 April: Real Madrid 3-3 Manchester City (UCL)

What have Real Madrid's recent results been like?

Bayern's recent unbeaten run looks positively puny next to Real Madrid's. Los Blancos haven't lost in 18 games in all competitions, going back to a Copa del Rey defeat to Atlético Madrid in January.

In the Champions League, Carlo Ancelotti's men have now gone 10 matches without defeat this term.

As soccer stats specialists Opta note, that sequence leaves Madrid one game away from equalling their club-record unbeaten run in a single season in the competition.

Bayern Munich: last five games

27 April: Bayern 2-1 Eintracht Frankfurt (Bundesliga)
20 April: Union Berlin 1-5 Bayern (Bundesliga)
17 April: Bayern 1-0 Arsenal (UCL)
13 April: Bayern 2-0 FC Köln (Bundesliga)
9 April: Arsenal 2-2 Bayern (UCL)

What have Bayern's recent results been like?

Bayern may be enduring a decidedly ropey season, but they actually come into this Champions League semi-final on a decent enough run of results. 

The Germans are five games unbeaten in all competitions. And that run that includes four wins from their last four games, registered with an aggregate score of 10-3.

Tuchel to leave Bayern at end of season

Despite only taking over at Bayern in March 2023, head coach Thomas Tuchel is to depart the Allianz Arena at the end of the campaign, the club announced in February.

This decision, Bayern said in a statement, was the result of a "constructive discussion" with the club's CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen. Lord knows what an unconstructive discussion would have looked like, then.

Can Bayern save their season?

For Bayern, the pursuit of a seventh European title now represents the club's only hope of silverware this season.

For the first time since the 2011/12 campaign, the men from Munich have lost out on the German league title - indeed, they have been utterly pulverised by first-time champions Bayer Leverkusen. Second-placed Bayern sit 12 points adrift of Xabi Alonso’s side. 

What’s more, the Bavarians suffered an ignominious exit from the DFB Pokal - the German domestic cup - when they were knocked out of by third-tier Saarbrücken in the second round.

When is the 2024 Champions League final?

Held at Wembley for the third time in the Champions League era, this season’s final is to be played on 1 June 2024.

It will be the eighth European Cup final to take place at the London arena, which has been the stage for the showpiece event in 1963, 1968, 1971, 1978, 1992, 2011 and - as already mentioned - 2013.

Could Bayern and Dortmund meet again in UCL final?

We also have the possibility of a second all-German Champions League final - in what would be a rematch of the first. It would be at the same venue, too.

Eleven years ago, Bayern and Dortmund went head to head for the European title at London's Wembley Stadium, Arjen Robben’s late winner earning the Bavarians their fifth continental crown (see the picture in the post above).

Who will Bayern or Madrid face in the UCL final?

We have the potential for Kylian Mbappé to face (probably) his future club in the 2024 Champions League final. 

In this season's other semi-final, the summer Real Madrid target will be the spearhead for his Paris Saint-Germain side as they take on Borussia Dortmund. The first leg of that tie is in Germany tomorrow, with kick-off at Signal Iduna Park scheduled for 3pm ET/12 noon PT.

You will, of course, be able to join AS USA for live-text commentary of that clash.

How many times have Real Madrid reached the European Cup semis?

While Bayern are preparing for their 21st European Cup semi-final, Madrid head into the tournament’s last four for the 33rd time in their history. That, it won’t surprise you to hear, is a record. 

In the Champions League era, Madrid have now reached the semi-finals on 17 occasions. That - you guessed it - is also a total not matched by any other club.

How did Real Madrid qualify for UCL semi-finals?

As for Real Madrid, who are chasing a record-extending 15th European crown, they came through an even tighter quarter-final tie.

After a 4-4 aggregate draw, Carlo Ancelotti’s men squeaked past holders Manchester City on penalties - in the process gaining some measure of revenge for their heavy semi-final defeat to the Sky Blues last term.

Antonio Rüdiger scored the winning penalty at the Etihad Stadium, rifling a nerveless, unstoppable kick in off Ederson's post.

How did Bayern reach the UCL semis?

Bayern are in the European Cup semi-finals for the 21st time in their history, after edging out Premier Leaders Arsenal in the quarter-finals. 

After a 2-2 draw in the opener in North London, Joshua Kimmich’s second-leg goal sent the Germans into last four. 

In the Champions League era - since the tournament was rebranded in 1992 - this is the six-time European champions’ 13th semi.

How many times have Bayern and Madrid met in UCL semis?

The clubs’ first Champions League meeting since Real Madrid edged Bayern in the 2017/18 semi-finals, this is the eighth time that the giants have been drawn together in the last four of the European Cup.

Madrid lead that particular series 4-3, and have won the pair's past two tournament semis.

Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid: welcome!

Hello! Hola! Grüß dich! The Champions League semi-finals kick off in just a couple of hours’ time - and they do so with a blockbuster in Munich.

Two clubs with 20 continental crowns between them, Bayern and Real Madrid face off in the first leg at Allianz Arena, in the teams’ 27th meeting in the European Cup. It’s the most-played fixture in the tournament’s 69-year History.

Kick-off in Bavaria is at 9pm local time. In the United States, that translates into a 3pm ET/12 noon PT start.