Bayern Munich’s official social media channels have taken a clear and public jab at Real Madrid following the two European giants’ 2-2 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.
The match, played on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at the Allianz Arena, was a thrilling encounter. The home side took an early lead through Leroy Sané in the 53rd minute, quickly doubling their advantage just four minutes later with a goal from Harry Kane. Real Madrid, demonstrating their renowned resilience, fought back. Vinícius Júnior pulled one back in the 66th minute and then completed his brace from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute to secure a valuable draw.
However, the post-match narrative took an unexpected turn. Shortly after the final whistle, Bayern Munich’s official accounts on platform X (formerly Twitter) posted a simple, mocking message directed at the Spanish champions. The post featured an image of the match scoreboard showing the 2-2 result, accompanied by the text: “A draw is also a result.”
This phrase is a direct and pointed reference to comments made by Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde after his team’s dramatic quarter-final victory over Manchester City. Following that match, which was decided by a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw (4-4 on aggregate), Valverde had stated, “A draw is also a result,” in defense of his team’s performance and ultimate progression.
Bayern’s social media team seized on this quote, repurposing it to highlight that the result in Munich, while a draw, leaves the semi-final tie perfectly balanced ahead of the decisive second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. The post has been widely interpreted as a psychological dig, aiming to remind Real Madrid that the German side remains a formidable obstacle in their quest for a 15th European crown.
With everything to play for at the Bernabéu, this off-field exchange has only added more spice to an already epic Champions League rivalry.
