PLAYER RATINGS: Harry Kane edges out Jude Bellingham in the battle of the Englishmen… but which Bayern Munich star had a SHOCKER in 2-2 draw with Real Madrid?
The win was shared in Germany as Bayern Munich and Real Madrid played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in their Champions League semi-final first leg on Tuesday.
Thomas Tuchel’s side started brightly at the Allianz Arena, but the Spanish giants struck first when Vinicius Jnr finished well after a delightful through ball from Toni Kroos.
Bayern came out on fire in the second half and Leroy Sane got them back on level terms after a fine run and finish, before Harry Kane put the hosts ahead through a penalty when Jamal Musiala was fouled by Lucas Vazquez.
Kim Min-Jae then recklessly dived into Rodrygo in the penalty area, with Vinicius tucking home from the spot to score his second of the night and ensure the tie was well balanced heading into the second leg next week.
But who shone in the night? Mail Sport’s KIERAN GILL ran the rule over the two sets of players…
Bayern Munich and Real Madrid drew 2-2 in the semi-final of the Champions League
In an exciting match, Bayern fought back from a 1-0 deficit to lead 2-1 before Real equalized
Vinicius Jnr was the star of the show for the Spanish giants as he scored twice in the first leg
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1)
Manuel Neuer – 5.5
Neuer was too deep and flat-footed for a sweeper keeper when Vinicius broke behind and later conceded a second from the penalty spot.
Joshua Kimmich – 6
The unlikely scorer of the goal that knocked out Arsenal had to stay close to Kim, who proved to be a liability here.
Kim Min Jae – 4
Looked like a suitable replacement for the injured Matthijs de Ligt until Vinicius sold him a dummy to score and then foolishly gave away a penalty.
Kim Min-Jae struggled mightily and was responsible for both of Real Madrid’s goals that evening
But his defensive partner Eric Dier was solid enough and could have scored double-headed goals
Eric Dier – 6.5
From Tottenham’s reserves to a Champions League semi-final, which could have been marked by not one but two header goals from corners. Almost.
Noussair Mazraoui – 6.5
The timing of his tackles was impressive, including one on Bellingham, which saw Kane try his luck from the halfway line.
Konrad Laimer – 7
He aggressively won the ball when Real wanted to force breakaways. Forever involved in breaking down the player, but also in building Bayern.
Leon Goretzka – 6
Will get a sore neck from looking over his shoulder at Bellingham, although Kroos was given too much time to play his perfect pass.
Jamal Musiala – 7.5
One of the most exciting youngsters in Europe who never hesitates to sprint straight at Real and win a penalty after tricking Vazquez into a trip.
Thomas Müller – 6
Mr Munich made his 150th Champions League appearance. Not his most vintage performance. If he starts, he will have to do better at the Bernabeu.
Leroy Sane – 7.5
Wild finish to equalize after riding Mendy. What a time to get his first goal since October, especially after his previous misses here.
Harry Kane – 7
Couldn’t score from the halfway line or a 25 yard free kick. But with a stuttering step on the penalty spot he finally got his goal.
Harry Kane finally got the goal he wanted with his stuttering step from the penalty spot
Leroy Sane scored his first goal since October with a fine finish after driving into Real’s defence
SUBS
Raphael Guerreiro (for Goretzka, 45) – 7
Serge Gnabry (for Müller, 80) – N/A
Alphonso Davies (for Sane, 87) – N/A
MANAGER
Thomas Tuchel – 6
‘Tommy Tactics’, as Chelsea fans called him, thought he had won this, but Kim cost Bayern.
Real Madrid (4-4-2)
Andri Lunin – 6
Big save for Sane after 39 seconds as Bayern unlocked the backline, but was later beaten by the same opponent at his near post.
Lucas Vazquez – 4.5
With Dani Carvajal suspended, Vazquez undid all his hard work with a lazy dangling leg, sending Musiala down and gifting Bayern their penalty.
Antonio Rudiger – 6.5
He passed the Erling Haaland exam, but once Kane got the chance to score from twelve yards, all his good work was undone. On to the Bernabéu.
Nacho – 6
Captain camped around his own penalty area in the opening period as Bayern piled on the pressure but organized well until their brick wall was demolished.
Ferland Mendy – 6
Missed training this week due to leg pain. Not what you need when Sane is sprinting towards you as he cuts inside and scores.
Lucas Vazquez undid all his hard work with a lazy dangling leg that brought Musiala down
But Uruguayan star Federico Valverde showed he is a stylish player who has everything going for him
Federico Valverde – 7
Tried to drop to help Vazquez avoid being overwhelmed as he moved from box to box. Stylish player who has everything in his locker.
Aurelien Tchouameni – 7
Grown in the match after Bayern dominated the early exchanges and had to remain forever alert to Kane dropping deep to act as a playmaker.
Toni Kroos – 7.5
Ten years after leaving Bayern, he is still carving open defenses, with his penetrating pass for Vinicius possibly the best in the Champions League this season.
Rodrygo – 6.5
Overcame the flu that kept him out of their last match as he won the penalty, allowing Real to make it 2–2.
Jude Bellingham – 5.5
England’s best young footballer was not nearly as dominant as we know. Substituted after a frustrating 75 minutes for him.
Vinicius Junior – 8
He fooled Kim with how he fell, but turned and sprinted as he opened the scoring. Gotcha. He then scored a second from the penalty spot.
Vinicius Jr. was Real’s star man as he opened the scoring, before also scoring a late penalty
But unfortunately, Jude Bellingham wasn’t nearly as dominant as we know he can be
SUBS
Eduardo Camavinga (for Nacho, 65) – 6
Luka Modric (for Kroos, 75) – 6
Brahim Diaz (for Bellingham, 75) – 6
Joselu (for Rodrygo, 87) – N/A
MANAGER
Carlo Ancelotti – 6.5
After a chaotic match, Ancelotti is happy to take this back to the Bernabeu.
REFEREE
Clemens Turpin – 7
Can we loan this man to the Premier League? Guaranteed performance under pressure.