Madrid, April 8: Bayern Munich secured a crucial first-leg advantage in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after defeating Real Madrid 2-1 on Tuesday night.
With the victory, Bayern took a significant step towards the semi-finals, although the tie remains finely balanced ahead of the return leg.
Playing at the Santiago Bernabéu, Bayern Munich struck through Luis Díaz and Harry Kane, while Kylian Mbappé scored the lone goal for Real Madrid.
Bayern opened the scoring in the 41st minute when Díaz found the back of the net to give the visitors an important lead before halftime.
Just after the restart, Harry Kane doubled Bayern’s advantage in the 46th minute, putting the German side firmly in control.
Real Madrid responded in the 74th minute through Mbappé, who pulled one back to keep the Spanish giants alive in the contest. However, Madrid were unable to find an equaliser in the remaining minutes as Bayern held on for a narrow but valuable win.
The second leg between the two sides is scheduled for April 16.
Arsenal edge Sporting CP
In the other Champions League quarter-final first-leg match played the same night, Arsenal defeated Sporting CP 1-0.
Kai Havertz scored the decisive goal deep into second-half stoppage time, handing Arsenal a dramatic late victory and a slender advantage heading into the return leg.
