The German powerhouse “Bayern Munich” secured another victory over Madrid’s “Real” and advanced to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. RIA Novosti Sport chronicles the historic achievement of the Munich stars, who managed to overcome the ‘royal club’ on their fifth attempt in the continent’s premier club competition, coming back from behind three times during the second leg of their clash.
The Statistical Showdown
The most glaring fact is this: in their last four two-legged encounters, “Real” has consistently eliminated the Munich side from the UCL. The last time “Bayern” managed to bypass the ‘kings’ was back in 2012, and since that success—one of the architects of which was the current German captain Manuel Neuer—it’s been a complete shutout for “Real.”
However, supporters of Die Roten have compelling counterpoints:
In this season’s UCL, “Bayern” has triumphed in all five matches held at the “Allianz Arena”;
One cannot overlook the first leg in Madrid, where “Bayern” achieved a victory at the “Santiago Bernabeu” for the first time since 2001. The German machine could have left Spain with a two-goal cushion, but Kylian Mbappé kept the Merengues in the game—the result was 1-2;
The tie, largely defined by the performance of the 40-year-old goalkeeper Neuer, was remarkable also because the last time “Bayern” emerged victorious against “Real” was indeed that very April in 2012.
A Fiery Start to the Match!
Despite all the praise heaped upon Manuel, he “gifted” a goal just 35 seconds in. The 2014 World Champion, in his characteristic manner, rushed far off his line and played a disastrous pass to his defender—Arda Güler intercepted the ball and sent it into the empty net from about thirty yards out. This stands as the fastest UCL goal in the history of the Madrileños.
It seems the great Neuer is showing his age. It’s rare for the most famous sweeper-keeper to be punished so severely for coming toward the midfield. This immediately brings to mind Dejan Stanković’s masterpiece: back in 2011, the Serb, wearing an “Inter” jersey, lobbed one over Manu’s head also within the first minute. Mystical, if you will!
This early goal didn’t rattle “Bayern”—the equalizer arrived quickly when Aleksandar Pavlović successfully converted a corner kick. And here, the keeper played poorly: Andriy Lunin, deputizing for the injured Thibaut Courtois, was overpowered by the opponents and couldn’t reach the ball. It was 1-1 by the sixth minute.
Goal-Scoring Extravaganza Continued
By halftime, the teams had notched three more goals. Mbappé besieged the home side’s box for a long time, but the Frenchman was successfully neutralized. However, they couldn’t manage to stop Güler’s free-kick. The ball sailed over the wall and nestled into the corner; Neuer couldn’t make the save—once again, “Real” took the lead! And again, briefly: in the 38th minute, Harry Kane found himself alone in the Madrid box, controlled the ball, and sent both Lunin and the ball in opposite directions.
Arda Güler | © Club Social Media
It’s unclear why “Bayern,” managed by Vincent Kompany (formerly a celebrated defender for “Manchester City” and the Belgian national team), failed to switch to a more defensive posture. Nevertheless, “Real” scored again: first, Vinícius Júnior struck the crossbar, and then Mbappé broke through one-on-one to score his 15th goal in 12 UCL matches this season.
The ‘Kings’ Execution
The intensity of the game didn’t drop, nor did the spectacle in the second half. Brahim Díaz had a prime opportunity to equalize—his shot was blocked, while Michael Olise didn’t trouble Lunin with two long-range efforts. “Real” created better chances, but both Federico Valverde and Mbappé failed to extend the Madrid lead. In Mbappé’s shot, Neuer displayed an incredible reaction, redeeming himself for the early blunder.
Everything pointed toward extra time with unequal numbers: Eduardo Camavinga received two yellow cards in less than ten minutes (the second booking was utterly senseless, for failing to yield the ball to opponents), leaving the Madrid side down to ten men. But there would be no added period—in the 89th minute, Díaz curled one into the far corner off a deflection, sending the “Allianz Arena” wild. “Real” opened up and conceded a fourth from Olise—a wild 4-3 scoreline after the final whistle, resulting in 6-4 on aggregate.
“Bayern Munich” Players | © REUTERS / Kai Pfaffenbach
History Was Made
On their fifth attempt, “Bayern” finally broke through the Madrid barrier! They now face “Paris Saint-Germain.” We are set for a hidden final in this stunning Champions League campaign. Meanwhile, “Real,” enraged by Camavinga’s sending-off (Güler later received a second red card post-match for dissent), faces an internal review and the search for a new coach. It seems unlikely that Álvaro Arbeloa will remain at the helm of the ‘royal club,’ which has once again stumbled in the UCL.
Who Else Reached the Semi-Finals?
“ARSENAL” (England)
The ‘Gunners’ fortunes in the English Premier League (EPL) are teetering on the brink of disaster. Their substantial lead over “Manchester City” in the title race has nearly evaporated—the culmination of the battle for the league trophy, unseen at the “Emirates” since 2004, is fast approaching. The UCL is the solace for Mikel Arteta and his players, where “Arsenal” is currently praised rather than mocked. On Wednesday, following a hard-fought away win in Germany (the decisive goal came in the very late stages), the Londoners once again kept Bayer Leverkusen scoreless, and managed no goals themselves. A subdued goalless draw in England juxtaposed against the thriller in Germany.
In the current Champions League season, “Arsenal” remains unbeaten.
A Moment from “Arsenal’s” UCL Match against Sporting | © REUTERS / Hannah McKay
“PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN” (France)
The reigning Champions League holders are confidently marching toward a second consecutive ‘big ears’ trophy. Following “Chelsea,” Luis Enrique’s squad eliminated another English club in the quarter-finals—”Liverpool.” The champions of England stood virtually no chance: both away and at home, the Merseysiders conceded two unanswered goals and lost any hope of securing silverware in the 2025/26 season. For the ‘Reds’ coach, Arne Slot, this spells doom.
And we take renewed pleasure in the Parisian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov! The Russian number one kept a clean sheet for three consecutive UCL fixtures and will now become the first Russian goalkeeper to play in the semi-finals of Europe’s foremost club competition.
“ATLÉTICO” (Spain)
Diego Simeone’s squad continues to haunt “Barcelona” and now sets its sights on “Arsenal.” Over the last 12 years, the Colchoneros have knocked out the Blaugrana from the Champions League for the third time: in 2014 and 2016, the Catalans were eliminated at the quarter-final stage—an identical scenario unfolded in this season’s tournament. The Catalans lost 2-0 at home but put up a fierce fight away against the Madrid side, needing just one more goal to force extra time.
It should be noted that both matches were marred by refereeing controversies stemming from red cards issued to “Barça” and other ambiguous decisions by the officials, alongside strange complaints from the Blaugrana coaching staff regarding the pitch height at “Atlético’s” home ground… In short, a footballing drama.
Five Decisive Matches Remaining
April 28th, Tuesday:
“PSG” vs. “Bayern”
April 29th, Wednesday:
“Atlético” vs. “Arsenal”
May 5th, Tuesday:
“Bayern” vs. “PSG”
May 6th, Wednesday:
“Arsenal” vs. “Atlético”
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