Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid: Bavarians Will Bring Hope to Bernabeu

Bayern Munich needed a solid showing against Real Madrid in Munich—and an equally special result.

The German side got both and now have every reason to think their road does not end at the Bernabeu next week. 

It took just one goal with mere moments left in the game to send give Bayern Munich a crucial boost into the second leg of the Champions League semifinal with Los Blancos, taking the win 2-1. 

Mario Gomez struck the back of the net in the 90th minute and, in that instant, Bayern earned a result that was vitally needed if they plan on moving ahead to the final. 

The game started with a shift in momentum that foretold the fortune of Madrid as Franck Ribery fell in the box early in the match and felt that he deserved a penalty. 

No amount of griping changed the call, but he was in full celebration moments later when he opened the game with its first goal. 

Bayern Munich would hold the lead until the second half when Mesut Ozil scored in the 53rd minute. Madrid was off and running, lending to a great sense of anxiety from the stands. 

It felt like a Madrid goal was around the corner but it never came, and Los Blancos went through a stint where their free-flowing offense remained stagnant. 

Bayern Munich controlled enough of the possession to resurrect some hope that they could finish the game with some meaningful chances.

In all, it was the Bavarians' game from start to finish, owning 55 percent of the possession, but that kind of dominance of the ball ends now. 

Madrid will be far more comfortable and free flowing when they resume play at home. I have no doubt that a more engaged side will greet Bayern Munich for what will be a classic fight at the Bernabeu on April 25th. 

Madrid is not going to come out and play defensively like they did after drawing even on Tuesday. They are far better when they play for the win, and that is exactly what needs to happen in the second leg. 

However, the damage has been done—and it's extensive. Bayern Munich is no middling side and are in the position to really upset the landscape, carrying a 2-1 aggregate advantage away. 

The chance to play the final at the Allianz Arena is there—and it's far more likely than it was mere hours ago. 

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