Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich is going according to a well-known script so far after being held to a 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday, setting them up perfectly for the return leg next week. Los Blancos. Carlo Ancelotti’s side still have some work to do to defeat Thomas Tuchel’s German side in this battle between the two European giants, but the Italian tactician’s task is to take the level aggregate score to 2 after leading 1-0 for most of the game. It got easier because it dropped to -1. Second half. Vinicius Junior scored a first-half goal for Bayern after a strike from the outstanding Leroy Sane and a confident Harry Kane penalty to ensure Real remained level despite not always being at their best in the middle of the week.
Of course, one of Bayern’s goals came from the spot, but with Tuchel threatening to produce one of his famous continental masterclasses, the La Liga leaders could have scored one of the goals as well and the hosts had other chances to score. That wasn’t the case and Real held on for a draw and Bayern will not be too disappointed, but it makes the task much more difficult for the outgoing Bundesliga rulers who now have to face the European giants at home in the Santiago Bernabeu. What’s more, Los Merengues supporters are all too familiar with this scenario, which usually ends with Ancelotti’s men advancing to the next round, which in this case would be the final.
We take a look at why you take the risk and record Real in these circumstances when no one is doing it better than Spain.
mental monster
Above all, Real have a collective mentality that few clubs can come close to. In fact, Bayern are generally regarded as one of those granted status as one of the European elite worthy of being in the same select band, but there are levels here and the playbook was written and bound in Madrid before Ancelotti was in the Spanish capital. . This Real side is the product of years of success that has fostered an almost sacred right to Champions League success, and this has rubbed off on every single player. A hostile atmosphere in favor of Bayern? No problem. Vini Jr. silenced the home fans. An unexpected Bayern reversal early in the second half? There was no problem for the visitors, who were able to convert at a moment’s notice to seal the result, thanks to a penalty awarded through sheer grit and determination.
Duckweed Control
Another key factor in Real’s success against Bayern on Tuesday came from Germany international Toni Kroos, who produced a sensational performance from midfield, producing a superb pass for Vinny Junior to score in the first half and splitting the Bayern defense at will throughout the course. It originated. 90 minutes in Munich. If the 34-year-old is in similarly brilliant form just months ahead of UEFA Euro 2024 at home, given the greater control Ancelotti’s men will have over the games they will enjoy in Madrid compared to Allianz. Real is likely to advance past Bayern. Arena outing. If Kroos can get on the ball as often as he does here, his influence could directly determine the outcome of the next game.
Ancelotti’s know-how
Taking a lead against Real in any kind of Champions League match is rarely recommended, but especially not in a knockout round game considering their ability to turn a game around in a matter of minutes. This was a perfect example of Bayern taking control through Sane and Kane an hour before kick-off and the visitors responded in powerful fashion. Ancelotti’s vast tactical knowledge supports this and combines wonderfully with the colossal mentality that all Real players seem to possess. Once the switch is flipped and the La Liga giants enter the fray, there will be few other winners for Bayern to disprove, despite plenty of history working against their chances in Madrid.
