The UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid lived up to its billing, ending in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena. Vinicius Junior opened the scoring for Real Madrid in the first half, but Leroy Sane and Harry Kane turned the game around with a goal each for Bayern. Vinicius then equalized with a penalty to set up an exciting second leg in Spain.

Vinicius Junior was the hero for Real Madrid, scoring both goals to secure a valuable draw away from home. Despite Bayern’s early pressure, it was Real Madrid who took the lead midway through the first half, capitalizing on a brilliant pass from Toni Kroos.

Vinicius’ goal marked his third consecutive season scoring in the Champions League semi-final.

Bayern Munich fought back in the second half, with Sane finding the back of the net to level the score.

The momentum shifted further in Bayern’s favor when Kane converted a penalty, giving them the lead. However, Real Madrid responded quickly, with Vinicius scoring his second of the night from the spot after a foul on Rodrygo.

The result leaves the tie finely poised heading into the second leg, with a place in the final at Wembley on the line.

Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid Highlights

“Luis Enrique said that even without the red card PSG would have won anyway and he hopes you will be the coach of Barca for many years, what do you say?” Xavi was asked.

The Barca boss replied in a fiery tone, “I say NO to both.”

Xavi’s disagreement with Enrique’s celebration of PSG’s victory may indicate his dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs at Barcelona, potentially hinting at a departure this summer.

Enrique’s exuberant reaction to PSG’s win, followed by comments boasting about his team’s superiority, contrasts with Xavi’s perspective and may suggest a difference in their visions for the club.

Despite PSG’s convincing win, it’s important to remember that Barcelona had a strong start in the match, leading by two goals at one point.

However, a pivotal moment came when Ronald Araujo’s decision to foul Bradley Barcola shifted the momentum in PSG’s favor, leading to their eventual victory.

PSG’s upcoming semi-final against Dortmund will be an intriguing matchup. During the group stage, Dortmund was unable to defeat PSG, indicating that the upcoming clash could be another challenging encounter for the German team.

Bukayo Saka expressed frustration at not being awarded a penalty after a clash with Manuel Neuer during Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.

He confronted the referee at full-time and even followed him down the tunnel, a departure from Saka’s typically composed demeanor.

When questioned about Saka’s condition before the upcoming match against Aston Villa on Sunday, Mikel Arteta stated, “Yes, he looked fine this morning.”

“He’s had 48 hours to think about it and it’s done.”

Arteta chose not to address the incident after the game, but there was a general consensus that Saka’s contact with Neuer was minimal.

Saka faced criticism for his reaction, but given the high emotions of the game, such reactions were not uncommon.