FC Bayern Munich FC Bayern Munich
Tuchel’s relentless criticism of his central defender
As of: 00:21 a.m. | Reading time: 2 minutes
A game to forget for Minjae Kim (r.), who conceded both goals against Real Madrid
Source: Getty Images/Alexander Hassenstein
After the draw against Real Madrid, FC Bayern still has every chance of reaching the final of the Champions League. Coach Thomas Tuchel is optimistic before the second leg, but is harshly critical of Minjae Kim, who was responsible for both goals conceded.
The air seemed to be gone. Real Madrid did what Real Madrid does. The Royals let the ball run and had the game completely under control. FC Bayern Munich ran after them and couldn’t find any access at all. Until Leroy Sané grabbed the ball and went solo. The midfielder moved from the sideline to the middle, left two opponents standing and nailed the ball into the Real goal in the 53rd minute to make it 1-1. Sané woke Bayern up with his goal. Just four minutes later, Harry Kane increased the score with a penalty.
The fact that Bayern didn’t win the exhilarating first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid was mainly due to Real’s cleverness. The Madrilenians took advantage of two mistakes by Bayern central defender Minjae Kim, and in the end there was a fair 2-2 draw between the two heavyweights of European football. Kim was only in the starting line-up because Matthijs de Ligt was injured.
Kim (r) fouls Madrid’s Rodrygo in the penalty area. Vinícius Júnior sank the penalty to equalize
Source: dpa/Matthias Balk
“It was an up-and-down game. We started very well, then slowed down a bit, then picked up strongly again. It’s Real Madrid, they can always dress. It felt like they had three chances from which they scored two goals. It was a lot of fun for a long time, there’s a lot in it for us,” said Konrad Laimer.
“Victory in Madrid and on to Wembley”
Coach Thomas Tuchel also still believes in reaching the final at Wembley. “We started very well and should have taken the lead straight away. Things didn’t get any easier after conceding a goal. Then we turn the game around,” said Tuchel. Kane then had to score the third goal: “And then Real did what they do with everyone – two goals from two chances. The starting position is now crystal clear, victory in Madrid and on to Wembley. It’s a 50-50 game, who knows what will happen.”
Thomas Tuchel believes in progressing
Source: dpa/Sven Hoppe
Tuchel was happy with his team’s performance. He only took harsh measures against his central defender Min-Jae Kim, who let Vinicius Junior run before the first goal and caused the penalty that made it 2-2: “Kim was far too greedy when he conceded the first goal. That was way too easy. He is also too greedy for the second goal. He clears the lane for the pass and then fouls in the penalty area. We weren’t smart enough today.”