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UEFA Champions League Semi-finals: Vinicius Junior Earns Real Madrid a Draw at Bayern Munich
Late Penalty Seals Tie After Goals from Benzema and Alaba
Match Report and Stats
Vinicius Junior scored a late penalty to earn Real Madrid a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final at Bayern Munich. Karim Benzema had given the visitors an early lead, but Bayern fought back through goals from Joshua Kimmich and Robert Lewandowski.
The result leaves the tie finely poised heading into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on May 4. Real Madrid will be aiming to reach their 17th Champions League final, while Bayern will be looking to extend their unbeaten run at home in the competition to 25 games.
The match was played at a frenetic pace from the outset, with both teams creating chances. Real Madrid took the lead in the 11th minute when Benzema fired home from close range after Vinicius Junior's cross had been deflected into his path.
Bayern responded well to going behind and leveled the scores in the 34th minute through Kimmich. The German international played a one-two with Lewandowski before curling a shot into the top corner.
Bayern continued to press for a winner in the second half, and they were rewarded in the 52nd minute when Lewandowski headed home from Serge Gnabry's cross.
However, Real Madrid refused to give up and they were awarded a penalty in the 82nd minute after Lucas Hernandez brought down Rodrygo. Vinicius Junior stepped up to take the spot-kick and he coolly slotted the ball past Manuel Neuer.
The result means that Real Madrid have now drawn three of their last four away games in the Champions League. They will need to improve their away form if they want to reach the final.
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