Bayern Munich qualified for the semi-finals of the Champions League by beating Arsenal 1-0 (after a 2-2 draw in the first leg) this Wednesday (17), at the Allianz Arena.
The Germans will face Real Madrid in the next phase, who beat Manchester City on penalties (4-3) also this Wednesday after two draws (1-1 on the return leg and 3-3 on the first leg).
Bayern have not reached the semi-finals since 2020, when they became champions.
“It will be a difficult semi-final”, acknowledged English striker Harry Kane after his team’s victory.
Joshua Kimmich, after an assist from Raphaël Guerreiro, was the hero of the night when he scored the winning goal for the Bavarian team by diving to deflect a header (63′).
“We could have scored more goals, we deserved to qualify”, highlighted the talented German player.
Despite experiencing an irregular season and under rumors of a bad relationship with his coach, who moved him to right-back, Kimmich made the difference in this vital match for his team.
After elimination in the German Cup in the European autumn and the first Bundesliga title won by Bayer Leverkusen last weekend, only the Champions League can save Bayern’s season.
Since their last European title at the end of August 2020, in Lisbon, against PSG (1-0, goal by Kingsley Coman), Bayern has always fallen in the semi-finals: in 2021 by PSG, in 2022 by the Spanish Villarreal and in 2023 for City, who would later become champions.
The draw in the first leg at home, at the Emirates Stadium (2-2), made things a little easier for the Bavarian giant: winning at home to reach the semi-finals and eliminate the ‘Gunners’ for the fifth time after 2005, 2013 , 2014 and 2017 (always in the round of 16), or lose and end the 2023/24 season without a trophy, the first time since 2011/12.
The dream of Harry Kane, who transferred to Bayern in the summer of 2023, of winning titles and winning the Champions League at his ‘home’ in Wembley, on June 1st, overcame a first major obstacle this Wednesday- fair.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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