Champions League FC Bayern Munich
“Don’t think that we are the top favorites,” says the coach about the semi-finals
As of: 01:44 a.m. | Reading time: 3 minutes
Cheers, hustle and bustle, semi-finals – FC Bayern is one of the four best teams in Europe
Source: AFP/ODD ANDERSEN
FC Bayern plays, fights and fights with a lot of passion to win against Arsenal FC. Real Madrid is waiting in the semi-finals. Goalscorer Harry Kane is happy because “it’s about playing against the biggest clubs.”
Joshua Kimmich repeatedly points his index finger to his forehead. He cheered almost in disbelief after his header goal in front of the fan corner. The 1.77 meter tall FC Bayern defender is not exactly famous for his header strength. His goal against Arsenal in the quarter-final second leg of the Champions League was a performance of will.
Kimmich rushed into Arsenal’s six-yard box after a perfect cross from Raphael Gueirrero and smashed the ball into the Londoners’ goal for a 1-0 lead. It was his first headed goal in almost four years.
It was the golden goal of the evening. In the semi-finals, Munich will face Real Madrid, who beat Manchester City on penalties. “That is outstanding. The second half in particular was very, very good. We deserve to move on. We are happy that we are finally in the semi-finals again. “It was a bit of luck that nobody felt responsible for me when I scored,” said Kimmich.
That’s where it hits – Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has no chance against Kimmich’s header
Quelle: Getty Images/Justin Setterfield
Against Arsenal, Bayern once again showed their Champions League face. Nothing reminded us of the weak performances in the Bundesliga. The team followed their coach’s instructions.
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Bayern were highly concentrated from the first minute. They hardly allowed the guests any chances and were there in the decisive duels. With passion and class, they repeatedly kept Arsenal away from their goal and set the tone on the offensive with fast football. After the break at the latest, the team took command on the pitch and rewarded themselves with the deserved lead. As a result, Bayern failed to decide the game, but were never in serious danger.
Tuchel said about upcoming opponents Real Madrid: “I don’t think we are the top favorites in this constellation. Sure, Real Madrid, you almost have to ask, who else? Carlo Ancelotti, who else?”
The first leg between the German football record champions and the Royals will take place on April 30th in Munich. The second leg will be played on May 8th at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. “This is one of the hardest games you can play,” said Tuchel. “Semi-final against the biggest club in the world. But we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Cheers, hustle and bustle, semi-finals – FC Bayern is one of the four best teams in Europe
Source: AFP/ODD ANDERSEN
Goalscorer Harry Kane sees it similarly: “It will be a difficult semi-final for us, but that’s what the semi-finals of the Champions League are about: playing against the biggest clubs.”
The coach did without veteran Thomas Müller for tactical reasons. So he still has to wait for his 150th premier class game. But he received a promise from Tuchel: “Now there are two more, then he’ll get it.”
Bayern’s victory means a repeat of the 2013 final against BVB, who beat Atletico Madrid, is possible. “This feels really good. Our discipline was crucial to us winning. These are special games and evenings. Against BVB at Wembley again – I wouldn’t mind that,” said Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
