Real Madrid expresses confidence in overcoming Bayern Munich following disappointing first leg. Is this justified?
MADRID — At times, the renowned magic of the Bernabéu falls short.
Real Madrid has experienced numerous remarkable UEFA Champions League evenings at this venue, often overcoming teams that appeared stronger under puzzling circumstances. However, in Tuesday’s 1-2 loss to Bayern Munich, reality set in, and the comeback remained just out of reach.
Facing a skilled, self-assured, and dynamic Bayern squad, Madrid appeared quite average during the first hour. The visitors were superior, more so than the scoreline indicated. Yet, as the second half progressed, the momentum gradually shifted. Madrid started to generate a consistent flow of opportunities, with Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé coming increasingly close.
When Mbappé finally scored in the 74th minute, the Bernabéu crowd, filled with cautious optimism, raised their voices as Madrid sought to equalize. However, the equalizer never came, largely due to Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s remarkable nine saves.
By the end of the match, both teams had registered 20 shots, creating similar opportunities (15-14 in favor of Madrid, with three of Madrid’s classified by Opta as ‘big chances’ compared to Bayern’s two), although Bayern’s xG (expected goals) of 2.99 significantly surpassed Madrid’s 1.97.
A one-goal deficit keeps the tie open as the teams prepare to head to Munich for the return leg next week. “We’re alive,” coach Álvaro Arbeloa reiterated multiple times after the match.
“We could have scored more,” Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin remarked afterward. “The team responded well. Neuer was the MVP.” Antonio Rüdiger concurred: “The best player was Neuer.”
Nonetheless, much of the game conveyed that Arbeloa’s squad had revealed its level, with its few strengths and numerous weaknesses exposed under the Champions League spotlight against top-tier competition.
Vincent Kompany’s Bayern asserted control from the outset, creating two excellent scoring opportunities – one from Dayot Upamecano, whose mis-hit close-range shot was cleared off the line by Álvaro Carreras, and another from Serge Gnabry, who failed to capitalize on Thiago Pitarch’s misplaced pass that left him one-on-one with Lunin. Ultimately, they took the lead through Luis Díaz, who finished a well-executed move involving Harry Kane and Serge Gnabry in the 41st minute.
Kane’s goal to extend the lead to 0-2, just 20 seconds into the second half, made the prospect of a comeback feel even more remote. Arbeloa’s halftime address likely emphasized the need for Madrid to start aggressively, with intensity, and take the initiative against Bayern.
Instead, they were alarmingly passive: Vinicius Junior made a poor pass to Carreras under pressure, resulting in a cheap loss of possession. As Vinícius and Mbappé jogged back toward their own goal, Bayern advanced the ball to Kane, who was completely unmarked outside the box, allowing him to slot the ball past Lunin.
“We made two mistakes [leading to the goals],” Arbeloa stated. “We lost the ball twice. We must avoid that. Against these teams, mistakes are costly.”
It was in the final half-hour that Madrid posed their greatest threat, as Bayern began to tire in their pressing, allowing the home side more space to exploit.
Three significant chances arose within seven minutes shortly after the hour mark. First, Vinicius Junior, set up by Upamecano’s weak header, attempted to round Manuel Neuer but was forced wide and could not redirect his shot on target. Then Mbappé came close twice, once denied by Neuer and later shooting across the face of goal. Mbappé continued to press forward.
“That’s the Mbappé we want to see,” Arbeloa commented. “He was a constant threat.”
Further danger emerged when Trent Alexander-Arnold got involved. His crosses from the right had appeared to be one of Madrid’s most promising avenues toward goal all night, and he delivered a cross for Mbappé, whose far-post shot crept over the line after being initially saved by Neuer.
As Madrid sought a second goal, there was also risk at the other end. In the closing minutes, Bayern had three opportunities to seal the tie. Substitute Éder Militão — who significantly improved Madrid upon his introduction — blocked a cross intended for the six-yard box, before Bayern came close twice more in the 89th and 91st minutes, squandering a three-on-one break.
Madrid’s challenge for the second leg in Munich next week will be complicated by the absence of their most consistent player this season, Aurélien Tchouaméni, who will be suspended and lacks a natural replacement in midfield.
They will need to adopt a bold approach and play proactively, a strategy that contrasts with a team more accustomed to a conservative, deep-block style.
“If any team can win in Munich, it’s Real Madrid,” Arbeloa asserted in his post-match press conference. They might.
Madrid could still achieve something remarkable and unforeseen in Germany, as they have done in the past. With Vinicius, Mbappé, Bellingham, and Valverde, they possess the players capable of making it happen.
However, even with a significantly improved final half-hour here, what they accomplished at the Bernabéu was insufficient. They will need to elevate their performance in Munich, and in doing so, they will also become more vulnerable.
