Why we'll never forget this Bayern night against Real Madrid

The unique character of this team

Those three setbacks, the first after just 35 seconds - the fastest goal conceded by FC Bayern in their long European history. The quick equaliser and all the other goals - five in total up to the break alone. Going behind an incredible three times by half-time alone against a Real Madrid side who were virtually indomitable, untameable and unpredictable on the night. "The game shows how we are," said an overjoyed board member for sport Max Eberl: "We kept coming back. Making it 1-1, going behind again, making it 2-2, going behind again - and winning in the end. That sums up the character of this team quite well."

No time to catch your breath

It was a night that never let you catch your breath - not down on the pitch, not up in the stands. A night when you didn't dare even make your way to the refreshment stand or the toilet for fear of missing something. After all, it was one blow after another, end-to-end action, so wild that it was almost dizzying at times. There were penalties that weren't awarded, fouls that weren't penalised and scoring opportunities that were missed by a hair's breadth. But above all, the game was a wonderful story full of joy.

Bayern win thriller to reach semis

FC Bayern picked themselves up and came back three times, scoring three equalisers. It was a lesson in fighting spirit and morale, team spirit and unbridled determination. And, at the very end, delivered a happy ending so beautiful, so wonderful, that it was almost cheesy. "It just feels terrific," confessed a beaming Eberl: "This team and this club are absolutely alive and united. This energy doesn't just come from the pitch, but also from the outside. You can feel it - and that makes us strong."

It was 90 minutes of European footballing history full of red and white devotion, a gift to all those who had never before experienced for themselves the power that football can unleash, and how this FC Bayern side is able to touch so many different hearts simultaneously in a second. "The decisive factor for me was that we didn't stand there after the game asking ourselves: What was that today? Rather, we gave it our all," said Kompany: "You can see what the win means in the images of the lads celebrating with the fans. What remains is this absolute team spirit. We showed a lot of character today and always had the determination to fight back. We played against a great Real Madrid side. That's why it's a great night for the club."

“That was something special”

Despite all the joy, what remains for now is exhaustion - for players and spectators alike. "I think we first have to come to terms with what happened here tonight," said Bayern captain Manuel Neuer. "It was a real Champions League night, the kind you don't often experience. It was very special for the spectators - and for us too."

The plan is for this to continue when they face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals. "The atmosphere today was outstanding, we want to experience that again," revealed the captain: "A bit of drama? I think that's just part of it." Everyone knows what kind of team PSG are, said Pavlović: "They're super active, perhaps alongside us one of the most active teams right now. We're looking forward to it and will prepare well." Vincent Kompany's promise before he too said goodbye for the night: "We have the belief that we can do it."

Reaction to the game against Real Madrid:

Real reaction: 'That sums up the character of this team'