It was truly a game of European giants as nothing could separate Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final, with the game ending in a 2-2 draw.
As far as the Merengues are concerned, they were pegged back by Bayern in the initial minutes but then a goal against the run of play opened the game for both sides.
VinÃcius Júnior lived up to his tag of being a big game player. Toni Kroos also had an unforgettable night at the place he once called home. This is how the Real Madrid players fared in the 2-2 draw.
Player Ratings:
Andriy Lunin: 6.5
A quiet night for the Real Madrid shot-stopper. Was beaten too easily by Sané’s shot and was also sent the wrong way for the penalty. Good on the ball and made a few clearances as well.
Lucas Vázquez: 5.0
Forgettable night for the Spaniard. Replaced Dani Carvajal but was nowhere near his level. Jamal Musiala beat him too easily and also threw a reckless challenge inside the box to give Bayern Munich the penalty. Made some decent attacking runs but his crosses were poor and unable to find anyone inside the box.
Antonio Rüdiger: 6.5
The German did his job without much fuss. Kept Harry Kane quiet at times. Played a few great long balls and did not get dispossessed at all throughout the entirety of the game.
Nacho: 6.0
Carlo Ancelotti preferred him over Tchouaméni but this choice did not live up to the expectations. Did not look solid and was beaten easily at times.
Ferland Mendy: 6.5
Leroy Sané did trouble him on a few occasions and even went past Mendy to find the back of the net. Otherwise, the Frenchman held his ground and as expected, did not make many attacking runs.
Aurelién Tchouaméni: 7.0
A typical performance from him. Defensively solid but Harry Kane did trouble him a few times. Shifted to the defense once Camavinga came on and did not let Bayern cause any further troubles.
Fede Valverde: 7.0
Ran up and down the ground, offering immense work rate. Covered for Vázquez at right-back during the game. Made a tackle and interception as well. Decent performance, overall.
Toni Kroos: 8.0
The midfield maestro stepped up when it mattered the most. Signalled Vinà to make the run when he found Kim Min-Jae out of position. A sumptuous pass led to the Brazilian equalizing. Controlled the game and bypassed Bayern’s press with ease. Surprising to see him getting subbed off.
Jude Bellingham: 7.0
Not the best game from the Real Madrid talisman. Started off well but was dispossessed multiple times while making attacking runs. Was not involved in the goals but made some eye-catching dribbles and won 6 ground duels.
Rodrygo: 7.0
The Brazilian caused troubles at times for the well-organized Bayern defense. Combined nicely with Vinà and ended up winning a crucial penalty late in the game.
VinÃcius Júnior: 8.5
Certainly the player for the big stage. It’s not easy to beat Manuel Neuer but he did it twice and did not let the German keeper have a sniff. Takes his tally to 21 goals this season, including 5 in the Champions League.
Had a shot saved but made up for that by burying the penalty. A certain Portuguese number ‘7’ sitting in Saudi Arabia would be proud of this performance.
Substitutes:
Eduardo Camavinga: 6.0
He spent 25 minutes on the pitch but didn’t make as much of an impact as expected. He did win a ground duel and made a tackle, but also committed fouls that could have been avoided.
Luka Modrić: 7.0
Was involved in the game as soon as he came on. Found Vinà after playing a sublime ball over Min-Jae’s head but the Brazilian’s shot was saved. Was an able replacement for Kroos. Another good performance as a substitute by the Croatian.
Brahim DÃaz: 6.0
DÃaz did pose some problems for the opposing defense when he entered the field. He showed his attacking intent by running at the Bavarian’s defense, but he also lost possession a few times.
Joselu: N/A
Not enough time or influence on the game to warrant a rating.
