Bayern Munich has finally broken their 25-year quarterfinal curse against Real Madrid, securing a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night to advance to the Champions League semifinals with a 4-3 aggregate victory.
The match began at a frantic pace. Real Madrid struck first, with Vinícius Júnior converting a penalty in the 43rd minute after a foul by Konrad Laimer. This gave the Spanish giants a crucial away goal and the lead on the night.
Bayern responded with fierce determination in the second half. Their pressure paid off when Leroy Sané, cutting in from the right flank, unleashed a powerful low drive that found the net in the 53rd minute, leveling the score and reigniting the tie.
The momentum swung decisively in Bayern’s favor just four minutes later. A clumsy challenge by Real Madrid’s defender Nacho on Jamal Musiala inside the box resulted in a penalty for the hosts. Harry Kane stepped up and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, putting Bayern 2-1 ahead on the night and 3-2 up on aggregate.
Real Madrid, facing elimination, pushed forward in search of a lifeline. Their persistence was rewarded in the 82nd minute when a defensive lapse allowed Joselu to pounce and slot the ball home, making it 2-2 on the night and setting up a tense finale.
Deep into stoppage time, Real Madrid thought they had completed a miraculous comeback. A cross from Antonio Rüdiger found Joselu, who tapped in from close range. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was disallowed for a marginal offside, crushing Madrid’s hopes.
The final whistle confirmed Bayern Munich’s passage, ending a painful streak of four consecutive Champions League eliminations at the quarterfinal stage at the hands of Real Madrid, dating back to 2000. The German champions will now face either Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain in the last four.
