The first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals of this season were historic and entertaining. Atletico Madrid clinched a win at Camp Nou, while Bayern Munich also ended their curse of Santiago Bernabeu by clinching a 2-1 win on Tuesday.
Bayern have been at the receiving end at the Santiago Bernabeu in the last few years. The Spanish club has always found a way to beat Die Roten. Keeping the recent results in this rivalry, the result on Tuesday was huge for Bayern to give the squad a mental boost ahead of a busy end to the season.
The win on Tuesday was huge for Rekordmeister, but the way they performed away from home in hostile territory certainly justifies the tag of Champions League favourites for this season.
Die Roten troubled Real Madrid with their intense pressing from the front. There was a big gulf between the two sides during the first hour of the game. The visitors consistently won the ball higher up the pitch, creating big chances. On any other day, Bayern would have scored a couple of goals just due to their aggressive pressing.
In possession, Bayern were equally impressive. They churned out chances consistently and played through Real Madrid’s midfield. Michael Olise was the star man in the final third as he created two chances, including the assist for Harry Kane’s goal in the second half.
Die Roten dominated Real Madrid across the pitch. If they had been more clinical, the tie would have been beyond the Spanish giants. Vincent Kompany and the players deserve all the plaudits for stepping up their game to the next level at Santiago Bernabeu.
Bayern need similar level of effort at Allianz Arena
Die Roten had to suffer in the final 30 minutes of the game when Real Madrid started gaining momentum. There was bound to be a spell where Die Roten had to defend well. Manuel Neuer’s heroics ensured that the Spanish club didn’t score more than one goal on the night.
Considering the fact that Real Madrid have consistently shown great mentality to make comebacks in the Champions League, Bayern have to be at their best at Allianz Arena. They will have the Bavarian faithful cheering for them, giving them that extra bit of lift for a big game in the Champions League.
Avoid a defeat next Wednesday, and Bayern will take a massive stride towards achieving the target of winning the seventh Champions League title.
Stats courtesy- Fotmob