In a pulsating encounter that lived up to its billing, Bayern Munich narrowly defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in a thrilling Champions League clash at the Allianz Arena. The match was a tale of two halves, with Bayern dominating the first and Madrid the second, but ultimately it was the Bavarians who emerged victorious thanks to a late winner from Joshua Kimmich.In a pulsating encounter that lived up to its billing, Bayern Munich narrowly defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in a thrilling Champions League clash at the Allianz Arena. The match was a tale of two halves, with Bayern dominating the first and Madrid the second, but ultimately it was the Bavarians who emerged victorious thanks to a late winner from Joshua Kimmich. Bayern started the game like a house on fire, pressing Madrid high up the pitch and creating a number of early chances. Robert Lewandowski had the ball in the net after just three minutes, but his effort was ruled out for offside. The Pole did not have to wait long to make amends, however, as he headed home from close range in the 11th minute after a cross from Kingsley Coman. Madrid struggled to create chances in the first half, with their only real opportunity coming from a Karim Benzema header that went just wide. Bayern, on the other hand, continued to press and could have extended their lead before the break, but Lewandowski was denied by a fine save from Thibaut Courtois. After the break, Madrid came out with renewed purpose and began to dominate possession. They created a number of chances, but they were unable to find a way past a resolute Bayern defense. The hosts, meanwhile, were content to sit back and hit Madrid on the break, and they almost doubled their lead when Coman fired narrowly wide. With time running out, it seemed as though Bayern would hold on for the win, but Madrid produced a late surge and were rewarded when Benzema equalized in the 82nd minute. The Frenchman fired home from close range after a cross from Vinicius Junior. Just when it seemed like the match was destined for extra time, Bayern snatched a dramatic winner in the 90th minute. Kimmich curled a superb effort into the top corner from the edge of the area, sending the Allianz Arena into raptures. The win gives Bayern a slender advantage heading into the second leg at the Bernabeu, but Madrid will still be confident of overturning the deficit and reaching the semi-finals.
