New Delhi: Bayern Munich and Arsenal emerged as winners in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League 205-26 quarterfinals on Wednesday. Bayern Munich defeated Real Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu to gain an advantage before the second leg clash at home. Kai Havertz’s injury-time strike helped Arsenal beat Sporting 1-0 to head to the Emirates with a goal advantage in the second leg.
Kane, Diaz help Bayern beat Real Madrid 2-1
Harry Kane scored on his comeback from an injury to help Bayern Munich beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the first Champions League quarterfinal at the new-look Santiago Bernabeu. Kane, who missed Bayern’s Bundesliga clash against Freiburg last week, scored Bayern’s second goal at the start of the second half.
Luis Diaz gave Bayern the lead at the Barneabeu by scoring the opener for the German giants in the 41st minute. It was a composed finish from Diaz, who found the back of the net after a spell of sustained pressure from the visitors. Kane doubled Bayern’s lead in the 2nd half with a clinical strike in the 46th minute.
Real Madrid brought on Jude Bellingham after 60 minutes in a bid to spark a turnaround in the game, and the midfielder delivered a solid performance. However, he failed to inspire his side to victory. Kylian Mbappe scored the only goal for the hosts in the 74th minute and could have at least secured a draw for his team.
However, Bayern’s legendary keeper Manuel Neuer pulled off three saves against Mbappe to deny him a second goal in the high-pulsating clash. The two teams will now meet at the Allianz Arena in Munich in the second leg of the quarterfinal on Thursday, April 16. Though Bayern have a goal advantage, they will be wary of Real Madrid, who are the most successful side in the competition’s history and are known for mounting incredible comebacks in the Champions League.
Arsenal edge past Sporting
Arsenal held their nerves to secure a 1-0 victory against Sporting in Lisbon to head into the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal with a one-goal advantage. Substitute Kai Havertz turned out to be the hero for Arsenal, scoring in the injury time to ensure his team clinched the first leg.