Bayern Munich managed to dominate Real Madrid in the first leg of the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. They not only executed a high press but also shined offensively with an outstanding Michael Olise. Nevertheless, Luis Díaz and Harry Kane led the scoring, overshadowing Kylian Mbappé’s strong performance and his goal, clearly outperforming them throughout the match.
Throughout the first half, coach Vincent Kompany’s team managed to establish itself as the better side in the match. They not only suffocated Real Madrid with high pressing, but also quickly regained possession after losing the ball. With this, Michael Olise was able to unsettle his opponents, dribbling past Álvaro Carreras and Dean Huijsen throughout the game. In addition, Serge Gnabry emerged as a key figure in linking the midfield with the attack.
Far from lowering the intensity, the German side maintained a high press that continued to suffocate Real Madrid. They even scored just seconds after the start of the second half, through Harry Kane. Nevertheless, coach Kompany decided to substitute Gnabry and Laimer, looking to give them rest. As a result, Bayern lost momentum, as they were without two players who connected the entire team.
Real Madrid remained active offensively, imposing a fast counterattack throughout the match. Although Arda Güler and Federico Valverde stood out, they struggled to connect with Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. After Kompany’s adjustments, Los Blancos gained more presence on the pitch, dominating the game in the final 30 minutes. The Frenchman even led the comeback attempt, scoring a goal that ultimately fell short of leveling the match.
Luis Diaz, Harry Kane and Mbappé dominated the scoring side
Amid their dominance in the first half, Harry Kane led a brilliant team play at the edge of the box, finding Serge Gnabry alone near the area. After receiving the ball, the German made a quick pass into space for Luis Díaz, who beat Real Madrid’s defenders and found himself 1v1 against Andriy Lunin. Remaining composed, the Colombian placed a shot across goal to score the opening goal of the match.
Taking advantage of the chaos in the second half, Bayern Munich launched an efficient counterattack led by Michael Olise, who got past Carreras and Huijsen to deliver a great pass to Harry Kane, who was completely unmarked at the edge of the box. Making the most of his striking ability, the Englishman fired a powerful shot toward the right side, beating Andriy Lunin just minutes after play had restarted.
After losing their dominant presence in midfield, the German side lost control of the match, handing the initiative to Real Madrid. Following a brilliant counter led by Trent Alexander-Arnold, he got past Alphonso Davies and Jonathan Tah, delivering a precise cross to Kylian Mbappé. After beating Upamecano, the 27-year-old striker struck a first-time shot across goal to beat Manuel Neuer and score Los Blancos’ only goal.