Bayern Munich and Arsenal secured a place in the Champions League semi-finals this Wednesday (15)
After the last two games to define the Champions League semi-finals this Wednesday (15), the competition will feature duels between Paris Saint Germain x Bayern Munich e Atlético de Madrid x Arsenal to compete for places in the big decision.
Bayern Munich failed in the knockout stages against Real Madrid this Wednesday after being on the way against their opponents in the last three meetings (they were 8-5 against). In an eye-catching and electric duel, in which they fell three times behind at the Allianz Arena, the Bavarians achieved a huge comeback in the final minutes, 4-3, with goals from Luis Díaz in the 43rd minute and Olise, in the 49th minute of the second half, and advanced to the semi-final with another triumph, after a 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Pavlovic, Kane (50th goal of the season), Luis Díaz and Olise scored the Bavarian goals, frustrating a perfect night by Arda Güler, scorer of two goals and who also had the ball in Mbappé’s net.
The referee whistled the start of the match and Real Madrid needed just 36 seconds to leave the match equal with Neuer’s gift to Arda Güler. The goalkeeper missed the pass and found it at the feet of the young Turk, who hit it into the corner, first time.
Real Madrid started on top, seemed at ease and close to expanding, but Bayern needed an attack to react, with Pavlovic leaving everything equal at six, heading Kimmich’s corner kick. This time, it was Lunin who failed, jumping into the goal.
Once again Real Madrid had little time to celebrate. In a move in which Bayern complained about two penalties, the play continued and the ball fell to Harry Kane’s feet in the area. The English scorer turned with quality and left everything the same. Before the break, however, Mbappé took advantage of Vini Júnior’s assist to score the third. Irritated, Vincent Kompany asked his team to keep their heads in place.
With one more player, Bayern went all out on the attack in search of the equalizing goal and the place and Luis Díaz hit a shot from outside the area, in the 43rd minute of the final stage, to guarantee relief and a great celebration for the Bavarians. There was still time for Olise, at 49, to turn things around. In a bad season, Real Madrid only have a remote chance left in La Liga of avoiding a second consecutive year without titles.
Arsenal x Sporting
Already the Arsenal drew goalless with Sporting, also this Wednesday, in London, and guaranteed a place in the Champions League semi-final, as in the first duel, in Lisbon, the English team had won 1-0.
In the semi-final, Arsenal will face Atlético de Madrid, who eliminated Barcelona. The first game will be in the Spanish capital on the 29th. The return is scheduled for May 5th in London.
The first half was one of the best of the season. Arsenal were not satisfied with the advantage obtained in the first game and, pushed by the fans, went on the attack, leaving spaces for Sporting’s quick counterattacks.
The best goal of all chances came from Sporting in the 43rd minute. Araújo crossed from the left and Catamo caught it beautifully with his left foot. The ball grazed Raya’s right post and went out.
The panorama of the second half did not change. In five minutes, Èze had already finished twice for Arsenal, while Araújo was in great danger for Paya.
With that, the final dominance belonged to Arsenal. Trossard hit a header against the post and Gabriel Jesus, who came on at the end, almost left his mark after an individual play.
In the final minutes, Sporting opened up in attack and Arsenal continued to counterattack. A lot of running, but no one managed to score. The vacancy went to the English.
Two other semi-finals
On Tuesday (14) Paris Saint Germain and Atlético de Madrid also secured their places in the semi-finals. The French team eliminated Liverpool, and won both quarter-final games. While Atlético de Madrid, even after losing in the return game, eliminated Barcelona as they won the first match 2-0 and scored another point with the defeat, 1-2.
The first legs of the semi-finals must take place on the day April 28 for the Paris Saint Germain x Bayern Munich and on the 29th, for the duel between Atlético de Madrid x Arsenal.
*With information from Estadão Conteúdo
