Vinícius Júnior gives Real Madrid edge in semi-final after Kane rouses Bayern

These are Real Madrid’s principles, and if you don’t like them … well, they have others. Carlo Ancelotti’s side were pummelled byfor long periods here, run left and right, hassled and jostled and almost toppled. And yet – of course – here they are, still standing, even marginal favourites courtesy of the magical right boot of Vinícius Júnior.

Shortly before half-time, Kroos took a corner that was headed away at the near post. And that – his 44th pass of the night – was the first that had failed to find its target. In his careful recycling of possession, his economy of touch and of course his wonderful assist for Vinícius to open the scoring, Kroos epitomised the disdainful efficiency that characterises Madrid and used to characterise Bayern, too.

Madrid’s celebrated midfield four, meanwhile, were struggling to progress the ball through Bayern’s well-oiled press. Before long Ancelotti was waving his arms in frustration on the touchline, as if trying to read the introduction to a poetry textbook that Tuchel had already ripped out.But of course Madrid always back themselves. They are perfectly happy to let you have the ball 40 yards from goal, because they back themselves from 20.

Tuchel had to respond at the break. Off came Leon Goretzka, on went Raphaël Guerreiro as a kind of … well, while Madrid were still trying to puzzle that one out, Bayern scored twice. First Konrad Laimer skidded the ball out to Sané on the right wing. Sané had stayed out at half-time doing stretches, lest his injured pelvis get cold. Now, still in a blur of perpetual motion, he cut inside and arrowed in a brilliant low finish at the near post.

Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

‘It’s why we went abroad’: Kane relishes semi-final clash with Real’s BellinghamBayern Munich striker is looking forward to Champions League tie against Real Madrid and says Wednesday’s win over Arsenal ‘feels amazing’
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

Real Madrid v Manchester City: Champions League quarter-final, first legMinute-by-minute report: Join Tim de Lisle for a blockbuster in Madrid as the champions visit for the first leg of this last-eight tie
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

Manchester City v Real Madrid: Champions League quarter-final, second legMinute-by-minute report: Who will come out on top at the Etihad after last week’s pulsating draw? Find out with Barry Glendenning
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

Bayern Munich v Real Madrid: Champions League, semi-final, first legTwo of the biggest beasts in Europe go toe-to-toe. Minute-by-minute updates on the action at the Allianz Arena from Scott Murray
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

Ancelotti nervous as Real Madrid and Manchester City cross swords againCarlo Ancelotti confessed he still gets nervous before big games as he prepared his Real Madrid side to host Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-final first leg
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

Real Madrid’s Joselu: ‘It’s true that everyone hated games away at Stoke’Real Madrid loanee is playing the best football of his career but he tells Sid Lowe that spells in cold and snowy England provided the tranquility he needed for the top-level
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »