Bayern Munich and Real Madrid met in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night.
Bayern led 1-0 at the interval of the last-eight affair following a bullet header from Arturo Vidal in the 25th minute, although the Chilean missed the chance to score a second from the penalty spot late in the first period.
Cristiano Ronaldo fired Real Madrid level early in the second period after a smart cross from Dani Carvajal, and the match swung even further in the away side's favour in the 61st minute when Javi Martinez picked up his second yellow card.
Ronaldo then doubled his tally for the night in the 77th minute as Los Blancos ensured that they would take a lead into the return match in Madrid next week.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Champions League coverage continues from the Allianz Arena as Bayern Munich welcome Real Madrid for the first leg of their quarter-final. On paper, it is a sensational fixture. Two of the biggest clubs in the world of football, meeting at this stage of the competition. It is one for the true football lovers, but which of these great clubs will triumph? Be sure to stay tuned for all of the action!
Tonight will be the 23rd time that Bayern and Real Madrid meet in European competition. Bayern actually lead the head-to-head record 11 wins to Real Madrid's nine, while the remaining two fixtures finished level. History suggests that a draw is unlikely to occur tonight, but I am certain that both managers would accept any draw in this match if it were offered ahead of the second leg.
Real Madrid recorded a 5-0 aggregate win when they met in the semi-finals of the 2013-14 competition, but Bayern progressed on penalties when they clashed at the same stage of the 2011-12 season. It has been nip-and-tuck between these two great clubs, and it is very difficult to call this tie.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from the Allianz Arena. Both of these teams were in league action at the weekend – Bayern thumping Borussia Dortmund 4-1 in the Bundesliga, while Real Madrid drew 1-1 at home to Atletico Madrid in La Liga. Any changes? I can confirm that Bayern are without their leading man tonight...
TEAMS!
BAYERN: Neuer; Lahm, Boateng, Martinez, Alaba; Alonso, Vidal, Thiago; Robben, Muller, Ribery
REAL: Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Nacho, Marcelo; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale
As touched upon, the big news in the Bayern camp is the absence of leading scorer Robert Lewandowski, who is out of tonight's match with a shoulder problem. Thomas Muller has been selected as the Pole's replacement, while Mats Hummels's ankle problem means that Javi Martinez starts alongside Jerome Boateng in central defence. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, however, back from the foot problem that forced him to miss Saturday's Bundesliga clash with Borussia Dortmund.
As for Real Madrid, injuries to Raphael Varane and Pepe means that Nacho starts alongside the skipper Sergio Ramos at centre-back. It is otherwise arguably Zinedine Zidane's strongest XI, with Casemiro joining Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in midfield, and Cristiano Ronaldo starting alongside Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema in the final third. Plenty of wonderful players on display tonight!
So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff on this warm evening in Munich. I shall speak about Real Madrid a little bit later, but let's start with Bayern, who will be looking to secure a first-leg advantage tonight ahead of their trip to Madrid. It really is so difficult to call this particular quarter-final, but Bayern have to be the favourites on home soil.
Bayern moved 10 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga when they thumped Borussia Dortmund 4-1 at the weekend, and in truth, the league is all but secure for Ancelotti's side this season. Bayern landed their fifth European Cup when they overcame Bundesliga rivals Dortmund in the final of the 2013 competition, but they have fallen short of the mark in recent campaigns.
This is Bayern's 28th European Cup quarter-final – their sixth in succession – and they have reached the semi-finals in each of the last five campaigns. The German champions overcame Portuguese side Benfica at this stage of the 2015-16 competition, but were then dumped out by Atletico Madrid. Bayern look very strong this season, however, as Arsenal learned in their last-16 clash.
Indeed, Bayern's 10-2 aggregate win over Arsenal in the round of 16 was the joint-second largest margin of victory in the knockout round of the Champions League. The Munich side have also already beaten Spanish opponents in this season's competition – recording a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the group stage, although they lost the reverse match 1-0 in Madrid.
Bayern's home record against Spanish opposition is won 18, drawn five and lost two, although they have lost their last three knockout matches against teams from La Liga. Both Bayern and Real Madrid will feel that they are the favourites for this quarter-final tie, which makes it even more fascinating. There is a lot of pride at stake in this last-eight fixture as well as everything else.
As for Real Madrid, Los Blancos are of course the reigning champions after overcoming Atletico on penalties in the 2016 final. Last season's success brought the Spanish club their 11th European Cup, and Zinedine Zidane is bidding to win back-to-back Champions Leagues as head coach.
Real Madrid, who are unbeaten in this season's competition, have made the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the seventh successive year. They have actually won each of their last six last-eight contests, and are bidding to reach the semi-finals for the seventh year in a row. Los Blancos actually lost 2-0 to Bayern's domestic rivals Wolfsburg in the first leg of their quarter-final last season, but turned things around on home soil to progress to the final four once again.
Zidane's side actually finished second to Dortmund in Group F during this season's group phase, while they conceded 10 times in just six matches. Three wins and three draws was hardly imperious form, but Real Madrid were comfortable in their round of 16 tie – beating Napoli 3-1 home and away to ensure that they would be present at this stage of the tournament once again.
Real Madrid were denied a vital win at the weekend when Atletico came from behind to secure a point in a 1-1 draw. Los Blancos are still well-placed in La Liga, however, leading second-place Barcelona by three points with a game in hand. The Madrid giants have had to watch Barcelona and Atletico share La Liga in recent seasons, but Real Madrid are the favourites to land their first title since 2012.
RESULT! Monaco have beaten Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in Germany in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. That match was of course rearranged following last night's sour events in Dortmund, but tonight's affair occurred without incident. It was a cracking game as well!
Here we go then - both sets of players have joined us on the field ahead of the first 45 minutes at the Allianz Arena. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium - let's hope that the football matches it. It is Bayern versus Real Madrid in the last eight of the Champions League.
KICKOFF! Bayern kick things off on home soil...
... something has to give tonight. Real Madrid almost always find the back of the net, but Bayern are so strong at the Allianz. It should be a fascinating game of football in Munich. As expected, the home side have taken control of the possession in the early moments as they pass and probe.
Vidal heads a deep corner towards goal, but it is a comfortable claim for Navas.
Bayern have absolutely dominated the possession in these early moments, and it has brought the German champions two corners already. Like the first set piece, Vidal rises to make contact at the far post, but his effort was well wide of the post. Real Madrid are yet to really get going here.
Bayern have their third corner inside the opening five minutes, but Real Madrid manage to clear their lines once again. It has been a very uncomfortable start for Zidane's side at the Allianz.
Finally some possession for Real Madrid as they start to move through the pitch, although they are yet to threaten Neuer in the Bayern goal. Ronaldo looked to have a strike from distance after picking up the ball from Modric, but Boateng was right in the number seven's face.
Kroos is fortunate to escape a booking after bringing Robben to the deck in a dangerous position. Robben takes his time before returning to his feet, but the Dutchman seems fine to continue.
Real Madrid continue to enjoy possession of the ball, with Ronaldo and Bale both allowed touches in wide positions. Neither team has had a clear attempt in the opening 12 minutes, however, which has absolutely flown past. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there is one - will be vital.
Just a reminder that Bayern are without their leading scorer Lewandowski due to a shoulder problem. Muller is leading the line for the home side, with Robben and Ribery operating in wide positions. Robben has been involved early on, but Ribery has seen very little of the ball here.
Concern for Real Madrid right-back Carvajal here following a collision with Vidal.
No problems. Carvajal is back on his feet and play continues at the Allianz.
Real Madrid have a free kick in a dangerous area as Boateng brings Benzema to the deck...
... Ronaldo's set piece is into the stands.
CROSSBAR! Real Madrid come close to making the breakthrough as Benzema meets a super cross from Kroos, but the Frenchman's header hits the crossbar and Neuer can gather!
Bayern started on the front foot tonight, but Real Madrid have been brilliant in the last 10 minutes or so. Indeed, the visitors have had the clearest chance of the match, and they look capable of causing problems every time that they break forward. Bayern need more from Ribery and Robben here.
Dangerous moment for Real Madrid as Thiago nips in ahead of Modric before finding Martinez, but the centre-back cannot find a teammate inside the box. Better spell from Bayern at the moment.
Alaba hits one from outside the Real Madrid box, but his effort was always wide.
GOAL! Bayern 1-0 Real Madrid (Vidal)
First blood to Bayern! The home side make the breakthrough in the 25th minute as Vidal heads a brilliant Thiago corner past Navas. It was an absolutely thunderous header from the Chilean!
Real Madrid continue to enjoy decent possession of the ball, but they are struggling to really harm Bayern where it hurts, with Neuer pretty comfortable since Benzema hit the crossbar with that close-range header. It has been an absolutely fascinating opening 28 minutes to this match.
Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining, and Vidal's thumping header separates the two teams at the Allianz Arena. I still fancy Real Madrid to score tonight, but they need more from Bale and Ronaldo in the final third. Bale has been slightly off-colour for at least three/four weeks now.
Bayern are simply stronger in the challenge at the moment as they continue to win battles in the middle of the park. Casemiro has a problem for Real Madrid as he lays sprawled out on the deck following a challenge with Thiago. The Brazilian was not overly pleased with the challenge!
Casemiro takes his time before walking off the field, but the midfielder will be fit to continue. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining, with Bayern still leading on home soil here.
Ribery might not have offered Bayern too much going forward tonight, but the Frenchman is doing a great job controlling Bale, who has been non-existent so far at the Allianz. Bayern continue to cause problems in wide areas, and Real Madrid just cannot seem to keep the ball at the moment.
Casemiro is down once again following a collision with Vidal. He is in the wars here!
That looked pretty awful for Casemiro, whose leg went in the opposite direction under a challenge from Thiago. However, the Brazilian will seemingly return once again. It looked a nasty one.
Bayern are pretty comfortable at the moment as they pass and probe in Real Madrid's half of the field. Finally Lahm quickens the pace as he releases a fine pass into Muller, but Ramos is on hand to make a vital challenge as Real Madrid come under more pressure. The visitors are in bother here.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Bayern to double their lead as Robben skips past the challenge of Kroos before picking out the head of Vidal at the far post, but his effort is over!
SAVE! Neuer pushes a powerful Ronaldo strike away from the Bayern goal!
CLOSE! Kroos curls one just wide of the far post as Real Madrid pass up two good chances in the final stages of this first period. What a wonderful game it has been at the Allianz.
BOOKING! Kroos (Real Madrid) is booked for a late challenge on Muller.
PENALTY BAYERN!
BOOKING! Carvajal (Real Madrid) is booked for handling inside the box, and Bayern have a penalty. It looked very harsh though! I am not too sure about that one.
MISS! Vidal fires his penalty over the crossbar - wow!
That spot kick from Vidal is still travelling. What a miss from the Chilean!
HALF-TIME: Bayern 1-0 Real Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Bayern leading Real Madrid 1-0 courtesy of a thumping header from Vidal in the 25th minute. The Chilean midfielder had the chance to double his tally for the night from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time, but his spot kick was high into the stands. Real Madrid are fortunate to only be one goal behind here.
STATISTICS! Bayern have shaded the possession with 56%, while they have had seven attempts, although just one of those - the goal - was on target. Real Madrid, meanwhile, hit the target with three of their seven attempts in the opening 45 minutes. Two yellow cards to report - Kroos and Carvajal.
BENCH WATCH! Zidane has plenty of attacking options on his bench tonight, with Isco, Asensio, Morata and James all available for Real Madrid. Bayern, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Coman, Costa, Kimmich and Sanches. There are some outstanding players on both benches here.
RESTART! Real Madrid resume the action at the Allianz...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period develops here.
GOAL! Bayern 1-1 Real Madrid (Ronaldo)
All square! And it just had to be him! Real Madrid level the scores on the night as Ronaldo turns a Carvajal cross into the bottom corner. It was far from an easy finish due to the ball bouncing, but Ronaldo managed to get his foot over the ball and turn home. That is his 99th European club goal.
I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals to night as both teams continue to commit players in the final third. Robben is causing all sorts of problems down that right for Bayern.
Bale finds Ronaldo inside the Bayern box, but the Portuguese's first touch is loose, and Martinez is on hand to make the clearance. End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes here.
The Bayern supporters are in fine voice at the moment as their team go through the gears once again, but Real Madrid are so dangerous on the counter-attack. There is no question that Real Madrid would accept 1-1 ahead of the second leg, but Bayern will want a lead to take to Madrid.
SAVE! Oh my word! Sensational goalkeeping from Neuer as the Bayern stopper somehow turns a close-range Bale header over the crossbar. It is stunning from the German!
BOOKING! Martinez (Bayern) is booked for a late challenge on Ronaldo.
REAL MADRID SUB! Asensio replaces Bale for Real Madrid.
RED CARD! MARTINEZ!
Bayern are reduced to 10 men as Martinez picks up his second yellow card for a late challenge on Ronaldo. What a massive moment in this first leg, and what a poor decision from Martinez!
Bayern are preparing to introduce Rafinha, which is not much of a surprise.
BAYERN SUB! It is actually Bernat that comes on for Alonso here.
Benzema races into the Bayern box as Real Madrid continue to look dangerous, but Boateng is across to deny the Frenchman a clear shooting chance. Still more than 25 minutes of football to play at the Allianz Arena, and the away side are seeking a second goal against their 10-man hosts.
Real Madrid have a free kick in a dangerous area as Ribery handles outside the box...
... BAYERN SUB! Costa replaces Ribery for Bayern.
Ramos's set piece is wide of Neuer's post.
Little over 20 minutes of this first leg remaining, and Real Madrid are very much in control as they pass and probe in the final third. Bayern have been restricted to counter-attack football since going down to 10 men, but Costa has provided more of a threat on the left for the home side.
The home supporters are in fine voice as we enter the final 20 minutes at the Allianz. There is no question that Real Madrid will be the happier with this scoreline approaching the second leg in Madrid.
CHANCE! Benzema heads a brilliant cross from Asensio over the crossbar!
SAVE! Sensational goalkeeping from Neuer as the German keeps out a close-range effort from Benzema, who had been found by Carvajal. Neuer is an absolute genius!
SAVE! Down goes Neuer again to keep out Asensio's low effort.
SAVE! Incredible! Once again Neuer makes a stunning save to keep out Ronaldo from close range. How on earth has he saved that one? Real Madrid really should be ahead here.
GOAL! Bayern 1-2 Real Madrid (Ronaldo)
Ronaldo! Real Madrid take the lead in the 77th minute as Ronaldo pokes home from close range after Asensio had picked out the Portuguese with a wonderful cross. What a moment!
As it stands, Real Madrid would be the big favourites to make yet another Champions League semi-final. However, Bayern still have time to at least draw this match ahead of the return fixture.
CLOSE! Marcelo's low strike just misses the post!
BAYERN SUB! Coman replaces Muller for the home side.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Benzema has the ball in the back of the Bayern net, but the flag is raised as the home side survive conceding a third, which would have really hurt them.
REAL MADRID SUB! James replaces Benzema for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid are absolutely rampant here as they continue to commit players forward, while Bayern are really struggling to gain control of the ball. This second period has belonged to the away side.
Ronaldo is on an Allianz Arena hat-trick, and that cannot be ruled out, even at this late stage. Possession football for Real Madrid at the moment as they pass and probe in the final third.
Asensio has been absolutely brilliant for Real Madrid since entering the field here.
BOOKING! Vidal (Bayern) is booked for dissent.
REAL MADRID SUB! Kovacic replaces Modric for the away side.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Ramos heads past Neuer, but the flag is raised!
We are into the final minute of stoppage time at the Allianz, and Rea Madrid are keeping the ball.
FULL-TIME: Bayern 1-2 Real Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Real Madrid running out 2-1 winners on the night over Bayern Munich. These two teams will do it all again at the Bernabeu next week, but Real Madrid have a healthy advantage ahead of the second leg in Madrid. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live coverage once again. Until next time!
