UCL: Bayern defeat Madrid as Arsenal secure first-leg advantage over Sporting

Bayern Munich scored once in each half to defeat Real Madrid 2-1 in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg tie at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Bavarians dominated most of the match and were good value for their win, secured thanks to a goal and assist from Harry Kane. Luis Diaz was also on the scoresheet for Bayern, while Kylian Mbappe netted for Real Madrid.

Both sides had a plethora of chances to go ahead, but Serge Gnabry was the major culprit for Bayern, while the duo of Vinicius Jr. and Mbappe were wasteful for the home side, who tried to hit Bayern on the counter at every opportunity.

Vincent Kompany’s side eventually exposed Madrid’s lopsided shape in midfield when they pounced on a poor pass, allowing Kane to thread the ball to Diaz, who produced a composed finish beyond Andriy Lunin, Real’s goalkeeper, into the net for 1-0 on 41 minutes.

The German champions took the lead into the break, and doubled it in the first minute of the second half when Kane produced a clinical strike into the bottom corner for 2-1. Real Madrid continued brought on Jude Bellingham and pressed for a way back into the match but were denied by a combination of wastefulness and goalkeeping masterclass by 40-year-old Manuel Neuer in goal.

Mbappe eventually got one back for Real on 74 minutes with a finish at the back post from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s inch-perfect low cross. The 15-time UCL champions could not restore parity, and Bayern closed out the win to end Real Madrid’s nine-match unbeaten streak in the European rivalry. Both teams will meet at the Allianz Arena in Munich next week for the second leg.

Elsewhere, Arsenal required a 91st-minute winner by Kai Havertz to win 1-0 at Sporting CP, ensuring the Gunners take a precious advantage into the return leg in London. (TheCable)