Real Madrid welcomed Bayern Munich to the Bernabeu on Tuesday night for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final, holding a 2-1 lead from the first leg last week.
Both teams had chances in what was an open first 45 minutes, but the score on the night was still goalless at the break.
Robert Lewandowski sent Bayern 1-0 ahead from the penalty spot early in the second period, but the two teams were level on the night in the 76th minute when Cristiano Ronaldo headed home from close range.
Bayern incredibly took a 2-1 lead less than two minutes later, however, courtesy of an own goal from Sergio Ramos.
The visitors then had Arturo Vidal sent off in the 84th minute, but held on to force extra-time in the quarter-final.
Real Madrid ran away with the tie in extra-time, however, with two more Ronaldo goals and an effort from Marco Asensio effort seeing the home side march into the semi-finals 6-3 on aggregate.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Champions League coverage continues from the Bernabeu as European champions Real Madrid welcome German giants Bayern Munich for the second leg of their quarter-final. Los Blancos hold a 2-1 lead from the first leg at the Allianz last week, meaning that Bayern have it all to do if they are to progress to the final four once again. Stay tuned for all the action!
Bayern, who finished with 10 men following Javi Martinez's second-half red card, were actually the far superior team in the first 45 minutes at the Allianz last week, and they deservedly took the lead on the night when combative midfielder Arturo Vidal headed home from close range. The Chilean missed a penalty on the stroke of the interval, however, and it all went wrong in the second period as a double from Cristiano Ronaldo - who else - secured a 2-1 victory for the reigning champions Real Madrid.
Tonight will be the 24th time that Bayern and Real Madrid meet in European competition. Bayern actually lead the head-to-head record 11 wins to Real Madrid's 10, while the remaining two fixtures finished level. It is a fixture that favours the home team, with Real Madrid winning eight of their 11 European games at home to Bayern. Can the German outfit find a way to triumph tonight? We shall see!
Real Madrid recorded a 5-0 aggregate win when they met in the semi-finals of the 2013-14 competition, but Bayern progressed on penalties when they clashed at the same stage of the 2011-12 season. Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news...
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TEAMS!
REAL: Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Nacho, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Isco, Benzema, Ronaldo
BAYERN: Neuer; Lahm, Hummels, Boateng, Alaba; Thiago, Alonso, Vidal; Ribery, Lewandowski, Robben
A calf problem means that Gareth Bale misses out for Real Madrid tonight, and two goals against Sporting Gijon at the weekend has seen Isco handed a spot in Zinedine Zidane's starting XI. Only Isco, Nacho and Sergio Ramos remain from the team that started in La Liga at the weekend, however, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric all back in the first selection.
As for Bayern, the big team news is that Robert Lewandowski is back in the XI after missing the last three matches with a shoulder problem. It is unclear whether the Pole is fully-fit for tonight's match, but it is not a surprise that he starts. Mats Hummels is also back from an ankle problem, with the German international replacing Javi Martinez following his red card in the first leg. Those are the only two changes from the reverse match last week, with Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery selected in wide areas.
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So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff on this warm evening in Madrid. I shall speak about Bayern a little bit later, but let's start with the hosts, who are the favourites to advance into the semi-finals following last week's 2-1 success in Munich.
Los Blancos, who are still unbeaten in this season's competition, are bidding to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League for the seventh year in a row, which is a remarkable record. They landed their 11th European Cup after beating rivals Atletico Madrid in last year's final, and are attempting to become the first team in the modern era to successfully defend the Champions League.
Real Madrid have actually only lost six of their previous 34 quarter-final ties in the European Cup, while they have only lost one of the 31 UEFA competition ties where they won the first leg away from home. A draw at the Allianz Arena last week would have been seen as a positive result, but Ronaldo made it 100 club European goals with a brace in the second 45 minutes of action.
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Zidane's side actually finished second to Borussia Dortmund in Group F during this season's group phase, while they conceded 10 times in just six matches. Three wins and three draws was hardly imperious form, but Real Madrid were comfortable in their round of 16 tie – beating Napoli 3-1 home and away to ensure that they would be present at this stage of the tournament once again.
The Spanish giants will enter this match off the back of a 3-2 win at Sporting Gijon on Saturday afternoon, with Isco's last-gasp winner moving Zidane's side six points clear at the top of La Liga. That gap is now back down to three from second-place Barcelona, however, ahead of El Clasico at the Bernabeu this weekend. The destiny of the Spanish title is very much in the hands of Los Blancos.
As for Bayern, the German champions will enter this match off the back of a goalless draw away to Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday. Carlo Ancelotti's side have actually only won one of their last four games in all competitions, but they still sit eight points clear of second-place RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga.
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Bayern have not actually lost in the quarter-finals of the Champions League since the 2008-09 campaign, when they suffered a 5-1 aggregate defeat to Barcelona. Worryingly, however, the German outfit have lost on 14 of their previous 25 visits to Spain in European competition. Meanwhile, they have already been beaten in Madrid this season – suffering a 1-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid in the group stage.
Bayern landed their fifth European Cup when they overcame Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund in the final of the 2013 competition, but they have fallen short of the mark in recent campaigns. Indeed, their interest in last season's competition was ended by Atletico in the semi-finals, and the German giants face a tough task to avoid elimination against another giant from Madrid tonight.
34 - Real Madrid have also never failed to score in their last 34 #UCL home games, longest ever run in the competition. Infallible. pic.twitter.com/JGrQol7VjD — OptaJose (@OptaJose) April 18, 2017
Bayern have actually progressed in two of their four European ties where they lost the first leg at home. The last of those in the 1995-96 UEFA Cup, when they turned a 1-0 deficit around by winning the second leg 5-0. Tonight's tie is far from over despite Real Madrid grabbing two away goals, although it is going to take some performance from Ancelotti's team to progress.
Here we go then - both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first 45 minutes of action. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the Bernabeu tonight. Real Madrid have a 2-1 lead with two away goals, but with this Bayern team, there is every chance of a turnaround in Madrid.
KICKOFF! Bayern kick things off at the Bernabeu...
... neither team has really settled in the opening couple of minutes, which is not much of a surprise. It will be interesting to see which side has more of the ball when the play starts to settle, although that might never happen. The atmosphere inside the Bernabeu is brilliant tonight.
Lewandowski heads a Ribery cross into the Real Madrid box, but it is comfortable for Navas as the Costa Rican collects. Decent spell for Bayern at the moment as they enjoy some advanced possession.
Wonderful header from Ramos as the Real Madrid captain gets in before Lewandowski, who looked favourite to meet a corner from Thiago. The home side then look to break through Modric, but Hummels is across to make the clearance. It has been nip-and-tuck in the opening five minutes.
BOOKING! Vidal (Bayern) is booked for a rash challenge on Isco.
Ronaldo's free kick from just outside the Bayern penalty box hits the wall.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side to take the lead on the night as Robben pounces on a loose ball inside the Real Madrid box, but his effort bounces over the crossbar!
Not an awful lot for the home supporters to get excited about in the opening 11 minutes, although a decent passing move has just seen Isco have an effort blocked inside the Bayern box.
Again it is good pressure from Bayern as Alaba finds space down the left before delivering into the Real Madrid box, but Nacho is on hand to make the clearance. The away side are the team looking the most likely at the moment as Robben gets down the opposite side and Ramos is forced across.
OVER! Vidal sends a long-range effort over the Real Madrid crossbar!
Better from Real Madrid as Marcelo breaks down the left before delivering a low cross into the Bayern box, but Hummels is across to make the clearance. Still goalless with 16 minutes on the clock.
Good goalkeeping from Navas as the Real Madrid goalkeeper anticipates that Nacho is losing a race with Robben, and the Costa Rican comes out to make the clearance. Bayern continue to look the team more likely to make the breakthrough, although the home side are just starting to pass and probe.
Just a reminder that Bayern need to score at least twice tonight to stand a chance of making the next round. As a result, a goal for Real Madrid does not change a great deal. We are now 21 minutes into the second leg of this quarter-final, and Real Madrid's 2-1 aggregate lead still stands.
Not an awful lot to report in the last couple of minutes, although Real Madrid are enjoying more of the ball as they look to slow down Bayern's attack, which has been very dangerous so far tonight.
CHANCE! First real chance for the home side as Marcelo delivers a cross onto the head of Benzema, but the striker's effort is wide of the post. Much better from Marcelo there.
SAVE! Wonderful save from Neuer as the German tips a Carvajal strike wide!
OFF-THE-LINE! Ramos has a shot cleared off-the-line following a scramble inside the Bayern box. This is really starting to heat up as Bayern break down the other end and win a corner.
Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining at the Bernabeu, and it is a really good game at the moment as both teams continue to commit players in the final third of the field. Bayern have to score at least twice tonight, and they are throwing four, five players forward in each attack.
Nervy moment for Bayern at the back as Benzema closes on a loose back-pass, but Neuer just about deals with it. The pressure continues, however, and a deep cross from Carvajal just misses the head of Ronaldo. The home side are really starting to force the issue at the Bernabeu now.
Robben tries to find Lewandowski with a cute pass, but the weight is too much.
Wonderful defending from Hummels as the Bayern centre-back beats Ronaldo to a Marcelo cross, leaving the Real Madrid number seven on the deck. Kroos then has a shooting chance for the home side, but his effort was always rising over the crossbar. It remains goalless on the night here.
SAVE! Neuer saves a strike from Ronaldo, who had driven clear of the Bayern defence!
Vidal heads over the Real Madrid crossbar at the far post under pressure from Carvajal.
BLOCK! Wonderful defending from Hummels to block a Kroos effort which looked to be heading for the bottom corner. Good grief Bayern are fortunate to still be on terms here.
BOOKING! Casemiro (Real Madrid) is booked for a late challenge on Vidal.
Alaba stands over a Bayern free kick, before sending the ball into the stands.
Good pressure from Bayern in the last couple of minutes as they continue to pass and probe in the final third, although Ramos has been very strong aerially tonight, and the centre-back continues to win the physical battles against Lewandowski, who is yet to have a clear chance in this match.
Ronaldo misses the crossbar after Marcelo had led a counter-attack for the home side.
Alonso is fortunate to escape a yellow card following a late challenge on Ronaldo.
HALF-TIME: Real Madrid 0-0 Bayern Munich
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich level at 0-0 on the night. Los Blancos still lead this tie 2-1 on aggregate, while Bayern still need two goals in order to stand a chance of making the semi-finals. Big second period to come.
STATISTICS! Bayern have shaded the possession with 53%, while the German champions have had nine attempts, but incredibly, none of those were on target. Real Madrid, meanwhile, hit the target with four of their 11 first-half attempts. Two bookings to report - Vidal (6 min) and Casemiro (40 min).
BENCH WATCH! Bayern boss Ancelotti has a number of attacking options on his bench tonight, with the likes of Coman, Costa, Muller and Kimmich all capable of making an impact. As for Real Madrid, there is no Gareth Bale tonight, but Asensio, Morata, Lucas and James are all available.
RESTART! Real Madrid resume the action at the Bernabeu...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period develops in Madrid.
Just a reminder that Bayern need to score at least twice tonight to stand a chance of making the semi-finals. Real Madrid had the better chances in the first 45 minutes, but Bayern were dangerous on the counter-attack. Still a lot of football to be played in the Spanish capital tonight.
Danger inside the Bayern box as Ronaldo flicks a free kick towards Nacho, but the visitors manage to clear their lines. The home supporters are in fine voice as this second period ticks on here.
CLOSE! Isco's low effort is just wide of the Bayern box.
OFF-THE-LINE! Incredible defending from Marcelo as the Real Madrid left-back clears a Robben effort off the line. The Dutchman's close-range shot simply had to go in!
PENALTY BAYERN!
Bayern have a penalty as Robben goes down in the box under a challenge from Casemiro!
GOAL! Real Madrid 0-1 Bayern Munich (Lewandowski, pen)
Game on! Lewandowski fires his penalty into the far corner!
CHANCE! Vidal scoops over the crossbar from close range!
Wonderful game at the moment as both teams look to settle in the middle of the park. Bayern need one more to take the lead in this tie, but Real Madrid simply always find the back of the net.
Little over 30 minutes of the second period remaining, although 2-1 Bayern would bring extra-time and potentially penalties. The away side are very much on the front foot at the moment, and Navas has to spring across his goal to keep out an effort from Ribery as the pressure continues here.
You just cannot take your eyes off this game at the moment as both teams continue to commit players in the final third of the field. It could not be more delicately poised at this stage.
There is a real nervousness inside this stadium at the moment, which is not much of a surprise. Bayern remain on the front foot as they continue to find space in wide positions.
We are entering the stage of the match where both managers will be considering changes, and Morata seems to be having a chat with Zidane. Benzema has really struggled to get into this match, and it would not be a surprise to see Morata introduced in the next couple of minutes.
REAL MADRID SUB! Asensio replaces Benzema for Real Madrid.
Still an awful lot of football to play at the Bernabeu, and I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals in this match. As it stands, one goal for Bayern would see the Germans advance.
Possession football from Real Madrid in the last couple of minutes, which is exactly what they needed during a period of domination from Bayern. It is a dangerous game at this stage of the match, however, with one goal taking the visitors through. The tension at the Bernabeu is unbearable!
BOOKING! Alonso (Bayern) is booked for a foul on Isco.
BAYERN SUB! Costa replaces Ribery for the home side.
REAL MADRID SUB! Vasquez replaces Isco for Real Madrid.
Bayern continue to press players forward, although we have not had a clear chance for some time now. The counter-attack is on for Real Madrid as Carvajal breaks through, but Hummels blocks.
BOOKING! Hummels (Bayern) is booked for a foul on Modric.
BAYERN SUB! Thomas Muller replaces Alonso for Bayern.
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-1 Bayern Munich (Ronaldo)
Real Madrid level the scores on the night and take a 3-2 lead in the tie as Ronaldo - of course - heads a wonderful Casemiro pass into the bottom corner. The hosts have breathing space!
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-2 Bayern Munich (Ramos OG)
Just incredible! Bayern take a 2-1 lead on the night as Ramos scores one of the most bizarre own goals that you will ever see! He dragged it past Navas following a mix-up at the back!
Little over 10 minutes of the second period remaining at the Bernabeu, and we are heading for extra-time as things stand. It has been a quite incredible second period in the Spanish capital.
You just get the feeling that there is another goal in the final 10 minutes or so of normal time. Extra-time will occur as things stand, but Bayern want a third goal as they continue to press forward.
CHANCE! Vasquez hits the side-netting from a narrow angle!
RED CARD! VIDAL!
Bayern are down to 10 men as Vidal picks up his second yellow for a late challenge on Asensio.
What a game of football at the Bernabeu. Who is to stay what will happen next?!
BAYERN SUB! Kimmich replaces Lewandowski for Bayern.
This quarter-final seems to be heading for extra-time.
We are into the second of four additional minutes at the end of the 90 here.
Well, Bayern might be down to 10 men and without their leading scorer, but the German side have found a way to win this 2-1 and we will be forced to play another 30 minutes of football here.
END OF 90 MINUTES: Real Madrid 1-2 Bayern Munich (3-3 on aggregate)
Bayern beat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Bernabeu to force extra-time in this Champions League quarter-final. Incredible night of football in Madrid, and we are far from finished here.
RESTART! Bayern get this extra-time period underway in Madrid...
... Bayern have some very tired legs out there at the moment. Real Madrid have to be the favourites to progress from this position, but they were the favourites before the second leg kicked off here.
Impressive stuff from Bayern at the moment as they force Real Madrid deep into their own half with a period of possession. The work-rate from the German champions has been so impressive tonight.
Not an awful lot to report in terms of chances during extra-time, although Bayern have been the team on the front foot as they force a couple of set pieces in quick succession here.
SAVE! Flying save from Neuer to keep out Ronaldo's effort!
WIDE! Costa sends a low effort wide of the Real Madrid post.
SAVE! Wonderful save from Neuer to keep out Asensio's low effort!
Ronaldo fires wide of the post as Bayern start to look extremely tired here.
BOOKING! Robben (Bayern) is booked for dissent.
Still nothing to add in extra-time, although chances have started to arrive for Real Madrid. We will have a penalty shootout unless there is another goal in this quarter-final second-leg tie.
GOAL! Real Madrid 2-2 Bayern Munich (Ronaldo)
It is his stage! Ronaldo scores his second of the night, sending Real Madrid ahead in the tie, as the Portuguese international hammers home from close range after collecting a pass from Ramos.
Ronaldo was offside! Awful decision! But it counts!
HALF-TIME EXTRA-TIME: Real Madrid 2-2 Bayern Munich
RESTART! Real Madrid resume the action...
... Casemiro misses the post as Real Madrid flood players forward.
GOAL! Real Madrid 3-2 Bayern Munich (Ronaldo)
Incredible, it is 100 Champions League goals for Ronaldo as the Real Madrid attacker sweeps home from close range after a sensational piece of work from Marcelo had given the Portuguese a tap-in!
GOAL! Real Madrid 4-2 Bayern Munich (Asensio)
Real Madrid are cruising clear now as Asensio sweeps the ball into the bottom corner following a brilliant run from deep. You have to feel for Bayern from this position.
REAL MADRID SUB! Kovacic replaces Kroos for Real Madrid.
Half-chance for the visitors as Hummels meets a deep free kick from Robben, but the centre-back's effort is wide of the post. Real Madrid are indeed marching to the semi-finals here.
Casemiro misses the target with an effort from a wide angle.
FULL-TIME: Real Madrid 4-2 Bayern Munich (Real Madrid win 6-3 on aggregate)
So there we have it. Real Madrid book their spot in the semi-finals of the Champions League after recording a 4-2 win over Bayern Munich in the second leg of their quarter-final. It was a brave effort from Bayern after they went down to 10 men, but the holders march on to the final four. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for another night of wonderful European action. Until next time!
