Things are perfectly balanced between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid after the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie, with the sides drawing at 2-2 after in the fixture at the Allianz Arena this evening.
It was an enthralling game of football, one in which the home side created the better chances. They had a number of scoring opportunities in the opening 20 minutes or so, failing to take any of them.
In typical Real Madrid fashion, they would then take the lead out of nowhere via Vinicius Jr.
This assist from Toni Kross 🤤 #UCL pic.twitter.com/KkxuHd4EOQ
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) April 30, 2024
They would take that lead into the interval, although the game was quickly flipped on its head once the second half began.
Leroy Sane equalised for Bayern Munich in the 53rd minute with a thunderous shot from just inside the box.
What a strike that is from Leroy Sané 👏
The German SMASHES Bayern Munich back in to the semi-final 💥#UCL pic.twitter.com/Zef1SIyZX3— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 30, 2024
A stunning finish.
They would take the lead four minutes later via the penalty spot, with Harry Kane making the most of the spot kick after Jamal Musiala was taken down in the box.
BAYERN MUNICH HAVE TURNED IT ALL AROUND 🔄
Harry Kane with a cool kick from the spot 🥶#UCL pic.twitter.com/627QjFBaPU— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 30, 2024
Real Madrid would have a couple of chances to equalise over the next period of the game, although it looked as though Bayern would bring an advantage to the Bernabeu.
However, after Vinicius Jr was fouled in the box, the Brazilian would then score the resulting penalty to ensure that it was honours even on the night.
A clinical penalty 🎯
Vinicius Junior WIPES away Bayern's lead ✅#UCL pic.twitter.com/W4Bsv1py63— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 30, 2024
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Shay Given points out goalkeeping error in Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid
There were some incredible goals in this game, with Real Madrid's opener arguably the pick of the bunch. The pass from Toni Kroos to get Vinicius Jr in behind was a sublime one, while the finish from the winger was also very tidy.
While that pair have rightly been praised for their role in the strike, Shay Given has questions over the part Manuel Neuer played in conceding it.
In the wide angle shot below, you can see how deep the German starts when the ball is first played in behind. Considering his reputation as sweeper-keeper, it was surprising that he did not command his area better on this occasion.
REAL MADRID GOAL - Vinicius Junior
Beuatiful through ball and Vinicius with an expert finish past Neuer to put Real 1-0 up on Bayern Munich in the 24th minute
📺 Watch live on @RTE2 and @RTEplayer
📱 Live updates: https://t.co/xE1ttWaYes #UCL #rtesport pic.twitter.com/QQDjviKH77— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) April 30, 2024
Speaking on RTÉ, Shay Given gave some fascinating insight into what Neuer could have done better on this occasion.
I just want to pause it here at the start of this.
We all know that Manuel Neuer is renowned for being a sweeper-keeper, he always starts in a high position. The minimum here is for the penalty spot to be the starting position.
I also think at this point, whether he is taking a drink out of his goal or has lost concentration, this is not a good starting position.
The ball is in play, it's on the halfway line. He should be at minimum at the penalty spot at this point. He is very deep in the goal, six or seven yard out.
When this ball comes and you see where Vinicius Jr finishes, he's actually on the penalty spot.
For me if Manuel Neuer starts there, which minimum he should be anyway, I think he comes and sweeps this out of the box or picks it up with his gloves just inside the box.
Neuer has been a fantastic goalkeeper and has had the most clean sheets in the Champions League, but I think he will be looking back and thinking 'I should be more advanced in my position'.
A top class goalkeeper in his own playing days, Shay Given certainly knows what he is talking about when it comes to this area of the game.
Neuer would have been delighted to see his team recover from that early deficit, although they were unable to hold out for the victory in the end.
That sets things up perfectly for a fascinating second leg between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid next week.
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