FC Bayern München secured a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu in the first leg of the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Luis Díaz and Harry Kane scored for Bayern, Kylian Mbappé replied for Real Madrid, and Manuel Neuer's world-class saves preserved the win. The second leg is set for next week in Munich.
FC Bayern München, coached by Vincent Kompany in his 100th competitive match, defeated Real Madrid 2-1 (1-0) at the Santiago Bernabéu. Luis Díaz opened the scoring in the 41st minute with an assist from Serge Gnabry. Harry Kane, returning from an ankle injury, doubled the lead in the 46th minute via Michael Olise after a defensive error by Carreras.
Kylian Mbappé pulled one back in the 74th minute, assisted by Trent Alexander-Arnold, but Manuel Neuer, named man of the match, made crucial saves against Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior to secure the away win. Vinícius missed a clear chance and contributed to errors leading to Bayern's goals, drawing boos from the home crowd. Jude Bellingham came off the bench and featured in key moments, while Aurélien Tchouaméni received a yellow card and will miss the return leg due to suspension. Bayern remained solid around Joshua Kimmich during Madrid's late siege.
Neuer said: «We are first glad about the away win. But it will still be a tough task in Munich». Real Madrid's Antonio Rüdiger commented: «The goals were two gifts. The best Bayern player was Neuer». Andriy Lunin added: «Neuer was the best, we are still alive».
International media praised Bayern's performance. «Marca» wrote: «Mbappé gives a spark of hope against an impressive team. Neuer saves the lead.» «AS» highlighted Neuer's «heroic performance». The BBC noted Kane's «super shot». Real Madrid, under Álvaro Arbeloa, have recently beaten top teams like Manchester City and Juventus but struggled here. Bayern enters the second leg at the Allianz Arena as favorites.
