Despite being three goals down in the second leg, Bayern Munich eliminated Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals with a 6-4 aggregate score, winning 4-3 in the second leg.
“Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable,” commented Fotmob after the match at the Allianz Arena. “An extraordinary football match, so much to analyze. Bayern’s expected goals were lower than Real’s (2.09 compared to 2.27), further highlighting the two late goals from the home side, which helped Vincent Kompany’s team reach the semi-finals.”
Luis Diaz (left) celebrates his goal that leveled the score at 3-3 for Bayern Munich in their 4-3 victory over Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on April 15, 2026. Photo: Reuters
From the very first seconds, the match took an unexpected turn. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer made a serious mistake, passing the ball directly to Arda Güler. From nearly 40 meters out, the young Turkish midfielder immediately shot into the empty net, opening the scoring after just 35 seconds. This was one of the fastest goals in the Champions League knockout rounds this season, simultaneously leveling the aggregate score at 2-2.
But Bayern quickly responded five minutes later. From Joshua Kimmich’s corner on the left, goalkeeper Andriy Lunin fumbled, neither rushing out nor staying put. Aleksandar Pavlovic seized the opportunity, heading the ball into the empty net from close range, restoring the home side’s 3-2 lead.
The game then unfolded at a breakneck pace. Bayern dominated possession, but Real always posed a threat with counter-attacks based on the speed of Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe. In the 29th minute, Guler continued his brilliance with a spectacular free-kick from nearly 30 meters. His left-footed curling shot found the top corner, and even Neuer’s hand couldn’t save it. Guler’s brace silenced the Allianz Arena, leveling the score at 3-3 for Real Madrid.
Guler’s free-kick goal. Photo: AS
The mistakes of both goalkeepers became a topic of discussion throughout the first half. While Neuer was criticized for the opening goal, Lunin also made several uncertain decisions in aerial duels. This lack of security contributed to the continuous goals scored.
In the 38th minute, Bayern continued their goalfest, increasing the aggregate score to 4-3. Dayot Upamecano unexpectedly advanced, dribbling through Real’s midfield before passing to Harry Kane in the penalty area. The English striker controlled the ball neatly and curled it into the far corner, scoring his 50th goal in all competitions this season. This was also the fifth consecutive match in which Kane has been involved in a goal against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
However, the first half didn’t end there. In the 43rd minute, Real Madrid took the lead again. Vinicius broke down the left wing and delivered a perfect cross for Mbappe. In a one-on-one situation, the French striker fired a low shot past Neuer, leveling the score at 4-4. Earlier, Bayern reacted strongly, claiming Stanisic was fouled in the play that led to the goal, resulting in coach Vincent Kompany receiving a yellow card for his reaction.
The situation where Mbappe increased the score to 3-2 in the second leg. Photo: AP
The second half continued at a high tempo, although both teams slowed down at times. Bayern had more possession (ending the match with 68%), constantly pressing, but Real were the team creating more clear chances from counter-attacks. In the 54th minute, Mbappe almost increased the score when he received a long pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold, but his close-range volley was saved by Neuer with one hand. This save was important, partly atoning for the 40-year-old goalkeeper’s early mistakes.
Conversely, Bayern also missed regrettable opportunities. Upamecano had two clear headers from set pieces but both went wide of the goal. Real’s errors in defending set pieces caused the audience to hold their breath on several occasions.
As the match drew to a close with the aggregate score still 4-4, the drama intensified with a decisive turning point. In the 87th minute, Eduardo Camavinga, who had come on as a substitute, received a second yellow card for fouling Kane and then deliberately kicking the ball away to waste time. Referee Slavko Vincic did not hesitate to show a red card, leaving Real Madrid with ten men in the final minutes.
This decision was highly controversial. Real Madrid players reacted strongly, arguing that the second yellow card was too harsh. However, the British newspaper Guardian commented that it was a “foolish” act by Camavinga, given that he had already received a card earlier. This loss of composure proved costly for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid players react to the referee after Camavinga’s red card (left). Photo: Reuters
Just two minutes later, Bayern capitalized on their numerical advantage to score the decisive goal. In the 89th minute, Jamal Musiala made a delicate pass to Luis Diaz on the left edge of the penalty area. The Colombian striker turned and shot with his right foot. The ball deflected slightly off Eder Militao’s foot, changing direction and flying into the far corner, leaving Lunin helpless. The goal had a very low expected value (xG) of only 0.04, but it was extremely significant, giving Bayern a 5-4 lead.
Not stopping there, in the very last play, Bayern sealed the 6-4 victory. While Real Madrid pushed forward looking for a goal, the home team launched a quick counter-attack. Harry Kane assisted Michael Olise, who cut into the center from the right wing and curled a beautiful left-footed shot into the far corner. All three of the home team’s attacking stars scored in this match.
After the final whistle, tensions continued to escalate. Real Madrid players surrounded the referee, protesting the decisions in the second half, especially Camavinga’s red card. Amid the chaos, Guler, despite being substituted, received a direct red card for protesting.
Statistically, Bayern had 21 shots compared to Real’s 12, but their expected goals (xG) were lower (2.09 compared to 2.27). This clearly reflects the home team’s inefficiency in their finishing, particularly in the last two goals, which had a very low probability of being scored.
This victory propelled Bayern into the semi-finals against PSG, with the first leg in Paris on April 28th and the second leg a week later in Munich.