MUNICH (AP) – Real Madrid has created the art of attacking even when you least expect it.
Bayern Munich were so dominant in Tuesday's Champions League semi-final that it seemed like it was only a matter of time before they scored. However, Madrid struck back.
Vinicius Junior put the visitors ahead with their first chance in the 24th minute, running in to a great pass from Toni Kroos.
“I know that Vini prefers to play the ball in space rather than at his feet,” Kroos said. “Then he takes action. He makes it easier for me to pass with that run.”
As Bayern midfielder Leon Goretzka admitted after his team's 2-2 draw, Madrid's ability to score goals out of thin air is a quality that impresses their rivals.
“I took my eyes off Vinicius for a second and there was a big hole,” Goretzka said. “There was no sense that something dangerous was going to happen, but that's Real's quality and you always have to be ready for it.”
Bayern dominated in possession and goal attempts (14-8), but the gap in the two-leg series remains wide ahead of next week's return semi-final in Madrid.
“It was the case last season with Neymar and (Kylian) Mbappe against Paris. They are players of unbelievable quality,” Goretzka said. “It's very dangerous when they're up front. You always have to play your best defense and of course you can't go forward blindly, that's for sure.”
Madrid probably should have scored more after Vinicius opened the scoring, as Bayern's confidence had waned and the home side were no longer dominant.
Manuel Neuer made a fine save to deny Kroos, Leroy Sane equalized with a powerful shot inside the right post, and Harry Kane converted Bayern's penalty to give Madrid the upper hand.
Vinicius calmly converted a late penalty and scored again to tie the game.
“Real Madrid are always on the move,” Vinicius said. “Now we have to concentrate for 90 minutes at the Bernabéu, or 120 minutes if necessary.”
The winner will face either Borussia Dortmund or Paris Saint-Germain in the final on June 1 in London. Dortmund and PSG were scheduled to play the first leg of the semi-final in Dortmund on Wednesday.
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