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Bayern Munich 1 – 2 Real Madrid – UCL match recap

By Alex McVey

MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 25: Marco Asensio of Real Madrid scores his sides second goal during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final First Leg match between Bayern Muenchen and Real Madrid at the Allianz Arena on April 25, 2018 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 25: Marco Asensio of Real Madrid scores his sides second goal during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final First Leg match between Bayern Muenchen and Real Madrid at the Allianz Arena on April 25, 2018 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images) /
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Second Half

Zidane made a change early in the second half, bringing on Asensio for Isco. Asensio instantly made an impact, opening up more space for Madrid on the flanks with his pace and ability to chase balls over the top. Madrid’s counter-attacks began looking more incisive and directed, with Asensio’s pace and technicality proving crucial for Madrid on the break. Bayern found themselves caught out by a one-two connection between Vazquez and Asensio. Vazquez broke forward, found  Asensio alone in the center, and Asensio slotted the ball away.

Real Madrid put in a much more disciplined performance at the back in the second half. Whereas the first half was disorganized and chaotic, the second half saw a Madrid team with full focus, organization, and intensity. An injury to Carvajal around the 65th minute saw Benzema on and Carvajal off. Lucas Vazquez slotted in at right-back, a position he’s been known to play in the past. Vazquez didn’t miss a beat, providing both defensive cover and a dangerous threat in attack when called upon.

Casemiro, who was truly poor in the first half, was central to Madrid’s modicum of defensive stability in the second. Casemiro was significantly at fault for Madrid’s defensive problems in the first half, but managed to put in  a great second half performance before coming off for Kovacic in the 83rd minute.

Ramos and Varane were also imperious in the second half. Bayern were always going to be dangerous, but the two center-backs put in a tremendous effort to keep Madrid on top. Also, credit to Keylor Navas, who recovered well from his big error in the second and put in a number of great stops on some ferocious efforts by Bayern Munich.

Next: Ronaldo's love affair with the Champions League continues

It was far from perfect. If a few things had gone differently, it could have been a disastrous result for Madrid on the basis of the first half alone. But Zidane deserves plaudits for helping his team maintain composure, making substitutions which changed the game, and getting a crucial away victory in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Stay tuned to The Real Champs for more Bayern vs Real Madrid post-match coverage.

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