MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 30: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his teams second goal during the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg match between FC Bayern München and Real Madrid at Allianz Arena on April 30, 2024 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Vinicius Junior bagged a brace as Real Madrid drew 2-2 with Bayern Munich in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.
UEFA Champions League
Result: Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
Date: 30 April 2024
Venue: Allianz Stadium
Madrid brought back the big guns who were rested in a narrow win over Real Sociedad, as Jude Bellingham shadowed Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo up top.Bayern, on the other hand, recalled Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sane, who both joined Harry Kane and Thomas Muller in attack.
The Bavarians had a bright start as they brought goalkeeper Andriy Lunin into action early on but they were not clinical.
Los Blancos were playing on counter-attacks and on 24 minutes punished Thomas Tuchel's charges with their first break after Vinicius Junior slotted home a through ball by Toni Kroos.
Bayern were patient on their attacks and became predictable, although just before the interval Kane threatened with a blasting shot that missed narrowly wide.
The home side had a perfect start in the second stanza as eight minutes later Sane levelled matters with a rocket from the edge of the box that found the bottom corner.
Bayern were 2-1 up just before the hour-mark after Kane buried a penalty after Musiala drew a foul in the box.
Carlo Ancelotti looked to turn the game around in the last 15 minutes, with a double change, as Luka Modric replaced Kroos in midfield and Bellingham made way for Brahim Diaz.
Los Blancos suddenly came to life as moments later Vinicius Junior came close to the equaliser with a chip at the near post that was saved by goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Madrid's pressure finally paid off eight minutes before time after they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Rodrygo in the box. Vinicius Junior did not disappoint as he made it 2-2 for Madrid by sending Neuer the wrong way.
In the end the game ended all square, with the second-leg set for next week Wednesday in Spain.
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