40 shots on goal! Bayern and Real deliver a wild exchange of blows | OneFootball

FC Bayern made a real statement at the Santiago Bernabéu – in sporting, tactical and statistical terms. But as clear as the figures may seem, the starting position ahead of the second leg in Munich is deceptive

A look at the statistics shows just how high-class this duel was. 40 shots on goal in total, 20 per team – a figure that impressively underlines the offensive power of both teams

Nevertheless, Munich clearly had the advantage. With an xG value of 2.99, the record champions created significantly more chances than Real Madrid (1.97). Vincent Kompany’s team were also more precise and structured in their passing game: 437 successful passes at a rate of 88% speak for control and clarity in the build-up play

Added to this was their superiority in set-pieces, where Bayern were also the more active team with eleven corners. It is precisely these details that show why the away win was not undeserved

Bayern dominate – until Real flip the switch

This statistical superiority was clearly reflected on the pitch at first. Bayern got off to a dominant start, combining purposefully and making consistent use of their transitional moments

Luis Díaz took the lead after a quick attack shortly before the break, and Harry Kane made it 2:0 immediately after the break – a phase in which Munich seemed to have the game under control

Michael Olise was particularly eye-catching, repeatedly causing trouble with his dynamism and creativity and posing problems for the Madrid defense

However, as is so often the case in the Champions League – and especially against Real Madrid – the game turned as the game wore on, with the Whites becoming bolder, exploiting spaces more efficiently and getting back into the game through Kylian Mbappé

An open exchange of blows developed in the final phase, in which both teams could have scored further goals. It was precisely this phase that underlined how thin the line is between control and loss of control at this level

Kompany warns against false security despite victory

photo: Getty Images

Vincent Kompany found the right words for this particular situation after the final whistle. „You had the feeling that the game was always on a knife-edge,“ explained the Bayern coach, perfectly summing up the dynamics of the evening

Despite the superiority, he remained realistic: „In terms of feeling, we had more and better chances. But two goals are good, and we’ll take that with us.“

His description of the mood within the team was particularly striking: „Everyone in the dressing room is still very, very calm.“ A clear sign that Bayern are aware of their situation

Kompany made it unmistakably clear: „We have won, but of course we have to win again to progress.“