Bayern Triumphs Over Real Madrid to Reach Champions League Semifinals
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Munich, April 16 (NationPress) Late goals from Luis Díaz and Michael Olise secured Bayern's spot in the semi-finals after a thrilling 4-3 victory against Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. Arda Güler scored two goals in the first half, while Aleksandar Pavlovic and Harry Kane each equalized twice for their team. Just before halftime, Kylian Mbappe leveled the aggregate score to 4-4, but late efforts from Díaz and Olise after Eduardo Camavinga received a red card propelled Bayern to a 6-4 aggregate win.
Bayern is set to face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals, with the first leg scheduled for April 28.
After trailing 2-1 from the first leg against a side that had previously won all five of their Champions League home games this season, Madrid made a quick start. Güler found the net just 34 seconds into the match with a stunning long-range effort after intercepting a pass from goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
This initiated a frenetic first half, with Aleksandar Pavlović heading in a corner from Joshua Kimmich to restore Bayern's aggregate lead, only for Güler to equalize again via a superb free-kick. Harry Kane, Bayern's star forward, then put his team back in front with a brilliant touch and finish.
Mbappe quickly responded for the visitors with a goal following a pass from Vinícius Júnior, who had earlier hit the woodwork. Despite the intensity, both teams continued to create chances in the second half.
After Camavinga was sent off four minutes before the end, Díaz's curling shot from outside the area found the net following a deflection off defender Eder Militao. In the dying moments, with Madrid pushing forward, Olise capped off the thrilling match with a decisive goal.
“It was a very emotional game. We controlled possession and always felt we could score. Real Madrid is always a threat, but our players showed great mental strength to overcome setbacks. The fans were incredible, and we remained calm, knowing our moment would arrive. The next match is crucial. We will keep pushing forward,” said Vincent Kompany, Bayern's head coach.