Bayern Edge Real in Seven-Goal Classic to Reach Champions League Semi-Finals

Bayern Munich booked a Champions League semi-final against holders Paris St-Germain after beating Real Madrid 4-3 in a dramatic second-leg contest at the Allianz Arena, sealing a 6-4 aggregate victory.

In one of the competition’s most chaotic quarter-final ties, the first half exploded into life with five goals as both sides traded blows at a relentless pace. Real Madrid, trailing 2-1 from the first leg, needed only 35 seconds to level the tie on aggregate. Manuel Neuer’s poor clearance fell straight to Arda Guler, who punished the mistake with a brilliant first-time strike from 25 yards into an empty net.

Bayern responded quickly. Just five minutes later, Aleksandar Pavlovic headed in Joshua Kimmich’s corner from close range with Andriy Lunin stranded, restoring Bayern’s overall lead. But Real kept coming. In the 29th minute, Guler struck again with a well-hit free-kick that Neuer could only help into his own net as he scrambled back.

The match continued at breakneck speed. Harry Kane brought Bayern level on the night in the 38th minute, curling home a calm finish after being left unmarked. Yet Real answered once more before the break when Kylian Mbappe drove in Vinicius Jr’s pass for his 15th goal in 11 Champions League games, leaving the tie level on aggregate again at half-time.

After such a wild opening period, the second half slowed into a more careful contest. Both teams became more cautious, and it seemed extra time would be needed to settle matters. But the turning point arrived four minutes from time when Real substitute Eduardo Camavinga was sent off for a second yellow card. The French midfielder had fouled Kane and was then booked again for walking away with the ball and delaying the restart.

That dismissal shifted the momentum. With a minute left, Luis Diaz delivered the decisive moment. The former Liverpool forward combined neatly with Jamal Musiala before curling a shot into the top corner with the help of a slight deflection. Bayern then made sure of the result in added time when Michael Olise bent in a superb fourth goal.

Real, who had led three times on the night, were left furious after the final whistle. Guler, already substituted, was shown a red card on the sidelines for confronting referee Slavko Vincic.

For Bayern, though, this was a night to remember. After surviving a fierce Real challenge, they now move on with hopes of a Treble still very much alive.