hero-image

Real Madrid 2-2 Bayern Munich: 3 key battles that decided the game

Real Madrid players celebrate their passage to the finals for the third consecutive time
Real Madrid players celebrate their passage to the finals for the third consecutive time

Real Madrid moved one step closer to their hat-trick of UEFA Champions League trophies, as they held Bayern Munich to a 2-2 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu and won the tie 4-3 on aggregate to sail into the finals for the third consecutive season.

The second leg was everything that the first wasn't - exciting, interesting and dominant from Bayern. The red Ballet was in full flow, but an unfortunate error from their goalkeeper, Sven Ulreich, turned out to be the difference between the two sides when the final whistle was blown.

As usual, there were a few key battles that ultimately decided the final result of the game. Here's a look at 3 such battles that had a say in the outcome of the match:


#1 Cristiano Ronaldo vs Mats Hummels

It was a rare off-color day for Ronaldo in front of goal
It was a rare off-colour day for Ronaldo in front of goal

Mats Hummels was one of the weakest links in Bayern's defence during the first leg, but it was a quick turnaround from him as he spearheaded their defence and even went on marauding runs forward to help Bayern get back into the game.

He commanded the air spectacularly and did a fine job of keeping Cristiano Ronaldo quiet for the duration of the game. What he lacked in pace, he made up for with his positioning and his ability to intercept through balls.

What was more interesting about his role in this game was his transition into attack - not as the catalyst but as the sole responsible member himself, when he collected balls deep from defence and merged them seamlessly into offence as he bombed forward.

Hummels had the chance to score off a corner late into the game, but it was not to be. Like Bayern, it was a case of 'so close yet so far'.

This was a surprisingly silent game from Ronaldo, but he had his fair share of chances. One of them was saved at the near post by Ulreich and the Portuguese skied another - a chance that definitely should have sealed the fixture.

Hummels vs Ronaldo - stats
Hummels vs Ronaldo - stats

Now that Los Blancos have sealed their passage to Kiev, Ronaldo can focus all his energy on trying to win the Golden boot, and get back in form when the final rolls into the corner.

You may also like