Three takeaways from Bayern Munich 4-3 Real Madrid | UEFA Champions League QF Leg 2

Three takeaways from Bayern Munich 4-3 Real Madrid | UEFA Champions League QF Leg 2

Real Madrid conceded two goals in the dying minutes of their second leg against Bayern Munich last night to lose 4-3 on the night, and 6-4 on aggregate over the two legs.

The Merengues were leading for the better part of the night, and looked mentally and physically charged to ensure the comeback is completed.

Arda Guler and Kylian Mbappe stepped up with the goals needed, and the team were one goal away from the semifinals for a long time.

What unfolded at the death, however, was unexpected as Eduardo Camavinga was sent off and the team was reduced to ten men. Two late goals then sealed Real Madrid’s fate.

Madrid Universal brings you three takeaways from Bayern Munich 4-3 Real Madrid.

Punching above their weight

Regardless of what went down in the end, the game between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich last night was far closer than anticipated.

Bayern Munich were simply the better side. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

That, in itself, speaks volumes about Real Madrid’s fight on the night.

To call Real Madrid underdogs under any circumstances would appear far-fetched, but there seemed to be a clear consensus that Bayern Munich are the superior team this season and are in significantly better form than Los Blancos.

With a one-goal lead and the home advantage, coupled with Real Madrid’s disastrous form after the international break, Bayern Munich were expected to coast to the semifinals by annihilating Real Madrid.

The fight the men in white gave last night was refreshing to watch on that front, as they not only created chances but finished them and put pressure on the Bavarians.

Alvaro Arbeloa’s men created a higher xG than the hosts, had more big chances and seemed like they were in control of the result through resilient defence for long in the game.

In many ways, the team thus punched above their weight with a good performance on the biggest stage, but it was unfortunately not enough.

Substitution that killed the game

With Aurelien Tchouameni unavailable, Arbeloa counted on Federico Valverde to take control of the defensive midfield on the night, handing him the start as the pivot.

Eduardo Camavinga was sent off against Bayern Munich. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

The Uruguayan did fabulously well in the position despite playing out of position, and was key with both his defensive actions and ball progression. The team’s transitions were effective with him, and Real Madrid were in control.

At the hour mark, however, Arbeloa brought on Eduardo Camavinga for Brahim Diaz, sending him to the pivot role and moving Valverde into a more attacking role. That change, for a large part, defined the result.

Camavinga’s arrival onto the field immediately saw Real Madrid grow flustered in midfield and play less convincingly on the break. They seemingly lost any control of possession, and the Frenchman began showing nerves under pressure.

In 24 minutes on the field, Camavinga made just seven accurate passes and four defensive actions, and soon saw himself sent off for a second yellow card in the 86th minute.

When the Frenchman was sent off, Real Madrid were level on aggregate and just a goal away from the semifinals. His red card, however, saw Bayern Munich up the ante and take the lead three minutes later through Luis Diaz before Michael Olise scored again in the 95th minute.

Another season trophyless?

The season so far has been forgettable for Real Madrid, both under Xabi Alonso and now under Alvaro Arbeloa. More damage, arguably, has been under the latter.

Real Madrid will finish another season without a trophy. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Los Blancos lost the Spanish Super Cup final to Barcelona in January, forcing the managerial change. In Arbeloa’s first game as manager, they faced an embarrassing exit in the Copa del Rey.

The UEFA Champions League and La Liga, thus, were seen as the team’s last hopes of winning a trophy this season.

Returning to club football after the international break, it was clear that Los Blancos have to fire on all cylinders to keep the hopes alive on both fronts.

In a matter of just four games, however, they have seemingly forfeited their chances on both fronts and have no one to blame but themselves.

Los Blancos lost twice to Bayern Munich and are now out of the UEFA Champions League, ending any hopes of a surprise win in the event

Concurrently, however, they have dropped five of their last six points in La Liga and are now nine points behind Barcelona with just eight games to go. With even the Catalans knocked out of Europe, it is unlikely they will drop any more points in the league.

For all practical purposes, Real Madrid are thus set to go trophy-less this season once again, making it their second straight season without a major title.

The reaction of the board to the same surely will not be forgiving.