Half of the quarterfinal first legs are over, with Bayern Munich and Arsenal picking up victories


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Harry Kane's return came just in time for Bayern Munich as they defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal tie. Kane and Luis Diaz were able to find the back of the net, but it was also Manuel Neuer's return between the sticks that made the difference. The German keeper kept Kylian Mbappe at bay as long as he could, and while the Frenchman found the back of the net, it wasn't enough to win this game at home. With both teams being among the favorites to win the entire competition, they played like it in a closely contested affair.

After losses in the FA and League Cups, it looked like Arsenal's woes would continue until a goal in stoppage time from Kai Havertz gave them a 1-0 lead in the first leg away from Sporting Club Portugal. Martin Zubimendi had a goal ruled out due to being offside earlier in the match, but the Gunners were able to keep their cool and ensure that they will head home for the second leg with a lead to protect. This is what professional teams do.

Champions League scores
o Sporting CP 0, Arsenal 1

o Real Madrid 1, Bayern Munich

Arsenal avoid a slide
While this wasn't a sparkling performance by any means, no one will mind when it avoids the alternative for Arsenal. They did a good job keeping Sporting from generating dangerous chances, but unlike the first leg of their round of 16 tie against Bayer Leverkusen, the Gunners were able to get the win, and it came via introductions that Mikel Arteta made from the bench. With a growing injury list making an impact with subs has been harder to do, Gabriel Martinelli did just that, assisting Kai Havertz on the eventual winning goal.

These are the kind of wins that go a long way, especially considering that the Gunners have seen their chance at a quadruple slip away in the last week. This will ensure that they don't go into the weekend needing a win, as there's also the Premier League title race to think about, and there's a lot to play for.

Neuer makes the difference
Nine saves from the 40-year-old keeper is quite a number, and he did everything he could to try for 10 when Mbappe had a chance of his own on goal. There's a reason why he won man of the match despite Bayern taking 20 shots and Harry Kane having a strong match, as Real Madrid arguably could've been level in the match with the chances that they had. Despite going back to Germany for the second leg, Bayern will need to be wary. Jude Bellingham and Eder Militao came off the bench in the second half and were difference makers, and as they shake off the rust of their own, starting the second leg will make a difference as Madrid looks to show that this isn't over.

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Posted by Temmy
Wed, April 08, 2026 1:41pm