Bayern Munich 0-1 Real Madrid – Champions League semi-final: Live score, team news and updates as Vinicius Jnr fires beyond Manuel Neuer as Carlo Ancelotti’s side grab the lead

Thomas Tuchel has already decided to make a change.

Raphael Guerreiro is now on for Bayern Munich, he replaces Leon Goretzka.

Anyway, we are back underway in Munich!

Michael Owen, former Real Madrid striker, on TNT Sports:

It’s basic striker play, you always give one for the defender and one for yourself. You come in, come in, he never had any intention of getting that ball to feet Vinicius Jnr. He just wanted to create more space and then all of a sudden his eyes are lighting up like “he’s [the defender] is coming with me”.  Spin and he’s in, it is so simple, don’t get me wrong the timing of the pass, everything has got to be perfect. But it is very basic play – something you learn as a school boy. Kim has got sucked in badly there.

Well then, it’s Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid who are enjoying their night more at the moment.

We’ve not seen Harry Kane or Bellingham at their best yet, but they have both had their moments.

I’m sure Bellingham would have scored if Noussair Mazraoui hadn’t taken him out just before half-time.

Liverpool fans certainly know what Vinicius Jr can do.

The Brazilian attacker just adores the Champions League, and with that goal, he now has 30 goal involvements in his last three seasons of European football.

No other player has managed that feat. Incredible.

It really is a beautiful goal.

It came out of nowhere in truth, Real Madrid had struggled for the opening 20 minutes or so, and then, well, they went ahead.

It shows how quickly they can hurt teams. One pass and then Vinicius was through. he did the rest.

Watch, and enjoy.

No added time, very interesting…

After allowing Real Madrid to have one final attack, the referee blows for half-time.

It’s the visitors who lead at the Allianz Arena through Vinicius Jr, who managed to make me look like a right fool.

Bayern started the much better side, but all of their attempts, bar Leroy Sane’s in the first minute, were from distance.

Madrid then did what they do best with Vinicius netting a lovely finish just after I had a go at him for a really poor one.

I certainly learned my lesson, have Bayern? We will see in the second half…

Noussair Mazraoui is a very lucky boy.

The Bayern defender brings down Jude Bellingham just outside the area as the Englishman is sent through by Federico Valverde.

If he had made the challenge a fraction later it would have been a penalty. Either way, he goes into the book.

Rodrygo’s free-kick is sent straight into the wall.

Oooof, that was a powerful hit.

It is Harry Kane that goes for it and upon first viewing, it looks like it narrowly goes wide of the post.

However, watching the replay, it went miles wide in the end. Wouldn’t have wanted to take that ball to the body though, it was hit with venom.

Jamal Musiala has been Bayern Munich’s standout player so far.

He once again drives at Real Madrid trying to cause them problems and he draws a foul from Nacho Fernandez just outside the area.

Harry Kane is standing over the set-piece, he fancies a pop here…

Noussair Mazraoui and Rodrygo have a little coming together in the Real Madrid penalty area, and Bayern want a spot-kick. Rightly, it’s not given.

Bayern put pressure on Andriy Lunin from the resulting corner, but the visitors manage to ride it out.

that’s a bit better from the hosts.

This time real Madrid don’t try a silly corner routine and it nearly pays off.

Toni Kroos swings in a delightful cross which looks like it’s about to be headed home by Antonio Rudiger, but Manuel Neuer punches it clear.

Bayern try a counter through Jamal Musiala, but it doesn’t come off. They don’t look anything like the side from the opening 20 minutes

The goal has taken the sting out of the match completely.

Real Madrid are starting to control the ball now, and even when Bayern Munich do have it, they don’t look threatening at all now.

Thomas Tuchel is going mental on the sideline, he does not seem happy at all.

The Real Madrid counter-attack is frightening.

You can see why the visitors are happy to just soak up the pressure because they can turn defence into attack in an instant.

Vinicius Jr is on his bike again, but this time Kim Minjae is there to shield him away.

Great defending because otherwise, Vinicius would have been in again.

Steve McManaman, two-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, on TNT Sports:

I’d question the goalkeeper. Does he commit? Should he commit? This was beautiful though [Kroos pass] he threads the ball through the lines Toni Kross. Vinicius Jnr is running on to it. Neuer flat footed. That was the easy part rolling it past the goalkeeper. He was already preparing himself Vinicius Jnr. I thought Neuer should have come, come strong right out to his feet.

Vinicius Jr has just shut me right up!

I was just about to type that Real Madrid had wrestled back some control and then bang, they make it 1-0.

It’s a stunning goal. Toni Kroos slides the ball between the lines and Vinicius Jr is through.

The Brazilian forward just runs onto it and slides it past Manuel Neuer, a beautiful finish.

That is why you should never doubt them.

That corner routine sums up Real Madrid’s performance so far.

Toni Kross is booed as he approaches to take a corner, I didn’t realise the former Bayern man was disliked around these parts.

He decides to play it short for Vinicius Jr, who for some reason decides to shoot and it is miles wide and high of the net.

A strange decision from the Brazilian, and it seems Kroos agrees.

Lovely show of speed there by Antonio Rudiger.

Harry Kane dances through the Real Madrid midfield and spots Leroy Sane on his bike.

He tries to feed through the German winger, but Rudiger accelerates to beat Sane to the ball.

He is no slouch.

Guess what? Bayern have had another shot from distance.

The culprit? Jamal Musiala again. He drags a low strike wide from outside the area after Real Madrid give the ball away.

The away side have barely had the ball yet.

Bayern Munich are all over Real Madrid.

This time it’s Jamal Musiala who decides to have a crack at goal, but once again it flies over the bar.

I guess the only positive for Real Madrid is that all of Bayern’s chances are from quite far out.

I think they should probably try attacking a little bit though…

Oh my word, Harry Kane has just tried to score from the halfway line.

He wasn’t far away either, it had beaten Andriy Lunin but dips just over the bar.

That would have been some way to open the scoring!

Real Madrid really aren’t at the races as of yet.

Bayern Munich have had the best of the early minutes and Harry Kane has his first sight of goal.

Leroy Sane sends it through to the England captain before he fires straight at Andriy Lunin.

Moments later, Sane has a shot of his own, but it’s not a very good one, it goes way over the bar.

What a player Jamal Musiala is.

The Bayern attacking midfielder drives at the Real Madrid defence, striking fear into them, before winning a corner.

Nothing comes from the resulting set-piece, but his intentions are clear.

Riath Al-Samarrai, Mail Sport, at the Allianz Arena:

Huge cheer for Tuchel a moment ago, which sits alongside the 12,000-plus fans who have signed a petition for him to stay. You do wonder how Bayern’s leadership will feel about that decision if they go on to win this thing.

That would have been the perfect start for Bayern Munich!

Harry Kane is already involved as he flicks the ball neatly into the path of Leroy Sane, who smashes the ball down the throat of Andriy Lunin.

The finish of a man who is not confident in front of goal.

The noise is almost deafening as the teams take shape ready to do battle, it’s special.

Bayern get the semi-final stage underway to a huge roar, who will come out on top in this huge tie?

Wow, just listen to that atmosphere.

The Allianz Arena is absolutely bouncing, it’s a sea of red as they give tribute to former captain Franz Beckenbauer who passed away in January.

Now it’s time for the Champions League anthem, it doesn’t get much better than this, does it?

Anonymous: I’m supporting Jude Bellingham. A true winner.

Hans, Stuttgart: I want both sides to lose.

Anonymous: Bayern Munich getting smashed.

Guess what time it is? Prediction time.

Kick-off is edging ever closer, so just before the match gets underway from all of you!

Can Bayern Munich continue their Champions League home unbeaten run, or can Jude Bellingham inspire Real Madrid to victory?

Not that any of you probably want to hear my thoughts, but I’m leaning toward a draw tonight.

Let us know your predictions in the comments.

Owen Hargreaves, Champions League winner with Bayern, speaking on TNT Sports:

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player do that (make such an impact at Real Madrid). I mean to take on Zidane’s No 5 – one of the most iconic players ever at Real Madrid. The thing about Jude (Bellingham) is that his talent is so undeniably special.

His body language, the way he carries himself, the way he walks onto the pitch, and the way he walks into the dressing room, you would never see a 19-20-year-old do that. He’s so authentic that the guys can tell…. And then he plays like he does and you can see that the guy’s really special.

Steve McManaman, two-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, on TNT Sports:

Bayern and Real Madrid, this is what they live for. This is the tournament that they (Bayern) rise up in. Even if they’re struggling – they get to the semi-finals.

Real Madrid have been in 12 semi-finals in 14 years, that is frightening. Bayern are the same. The fact that they’ve won it and they’ve been at this level so many times, It’s absolutely incredible for both sides.

There is a reason he is often called ‘Don Carlo’.

Carlo Ancelotti, just like Real Madrid, is European royalty. He has won the trophy four times as a manager, twice with Real Madrid.

One eyebrow raise on the sidelines and it could be curtains for Bayern Munich, we’ve seen it before.

In all seriousness, if you want anybody to be in charge of your side in a Champions League semi-final, Ancelotti is probably the man.

Sadly for Bayern, he never got them to this stage as boss there.

These two know how big matches like this are.

Arjen Robben and Miroslav Klose are both achieved great things in a Bayern Munich shirt, they are certainly club legends.

I mean, Robben scored the winner for Bayern last time the Champions League final was held at Wembley back in 2013.

Is it Harry Kane’s time to do it this year?

Wow, just wow.

We noted earlier how loud the Real Madrid fans were being… just listen to this noise.

As a Bayern player, it must motivate you greatly to hear the passion of the fans like this as you arrive for the biggest match of your season.

Simply incredible.

The Allianz Arena is not an easy place to go, that’s for sure.

Bayern Munich are unbeaten in their last 15 Champions League matches on their own turf, not bad, eh?

Real Madrid know what it takes to win there though, and in all honesty, I wouldn’t bet against them breaking that streak tonight.

All I know is that we should expect goals and lots of them.

It could be a historic night for Harry Kane in front of goal.

If the England captain scores tonight or even grabs an assist, he will have recorded the most goal involvements in a single Champions League season by an English player.

He has been involved in 10 goals in the competition this campaign so far, which is the same amount as David Beckham in 1998-99 and 2001-02 and Steven Gerrard in 2007-08.

I’m sure this statistic won’t really be on his mind though, he cares more about the trophy at stake.

I reckon the atmosphere is going to be electric tonight.

Both sets of supporters seem to be bringing their A-game in the build-up to the match, there is a buzz around the city and the Allianz Arena.

It’s the kind of tie that excites everybody and the atmosphere is part and parcel of that.

Real Madrid make just two changes from their penalty quarter-final win over Manchester City.

Aurelien Tchouameni comes into the midfield in place of Eduardo Camavinga, while Dani Carvajal is suspended, so Lucas Vazquez replaces him.

Jude Bellingham of course starts too.

Here we go then, this is how Bayern Munich line-up.

Thomas Tuchel has made two changes, with Thomas Muller and Kim MinJae coming in for Raphael Guerreiro and Matthijs de Ligt.

The good news for the Bavarians is that Leroy Sane is fit enough to start and Serge Gnabry makes the bench.

The English interest is strong in this side, as Harry Kane and Eric Dier both start as expected.

He’s been here before, many times.

However, this is the first time Jude Bellingham will face Bayern Munich as a Real Madrid player.

I wonder what is going through his head right now? Maybe what he is going to have for dinner after the match…

Probably not though.

Oh wow, just look at the Champions League trophy shine.

‘Big ears’ is on display at the Allianz Arena tonight just to remind the two sides what they are playing for this evening.

Bayern Munich have got their hands on the trophy six times in the past, while Real Madrid have lifted it a record 14.

Will either side be the ones to raise it aloft in June?

Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid manager, speaking on Monday:

We are confident, we have faith, and we have respect for this Bayern team. They have not played a fantastic season in the Bundesliga but against Arsenal in a spectacular match, they played very well.

Arsenal are a strong team and it was two matches that were spectacular. This shows the quality and history of this club, comparable to the history we have.

This isn’t the first time I have mentioned this in a blog this year, and it certainly won’t be the last.

Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern Munich have been having a torrid time domestically this season. They have already renounced their Bundesliga title for the first time since 2012.

Not only that, they were also knocked out of the DFB Pokal by third-tier side Saarbrucken and lost the Supercup to RB Leipzig on Harry Kane’s debut.

So yeah, the Bayern fans have not been enjoying themselves. However, they are still fighting for European glory, which is their last chance of silverware.

If they lose tonight, Bayern will be staring down the barrel at a first trophyless season in 12 years. Kane won’t like the sound of that.

After beating Arsenal in the quarter-final, there is no reason why they can’t surprise serial winners Real Madrid, but it’s going to be a tough ask.

Thomas Tuchel, Bayern Munich boss, speaking on Monday:

We want to play the game in isolation, without any background thoughts. That’s important to ensure we have the freedom to play a top game. We’ll try our all to win the game. Then we’ll know how things stand for the second leg.

The job against Real (Madrid) is about getting enough people in attack to hurt them, but also not to expose ourselves. We need a good balance of discipline and freedom. Obviously, we also need some luck in the game and momentum.

This certainly isn’t the first time these two have met… far from it.

Tonight is the 27th meeting between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in the European Cup/Champions League.

24 of their 26 meetings, so far, have taken place in the knockout stages, the most between two sides in the competition.

That’s not where the statistics end. Seven of those meetings have come in the semi-final stage, with Bayern winning four to Madrid’s three.

The 14-time winners have had the better of the meetings in recent times and are unbeaten in their last seven fixtures against the German side.

Anyway, I think you now get the point. It’s going to be another belter (we hope).

Fancy reading more about Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham? Of course, you do.

As I have already said, both players have been lighting up the German and Spanish leagues, respectively, and tonight they play against each other for the very first time.

Mail Sport’s Riath Al-Samarrai took a deeper dive into the heights both players have been hitting abroad before they collide tonight.

To read more, click below:

I can’t remember the last time two English players had such an impact at European sides outside their home country.

Gary Lineker worked wonders at Barcelona, David Beckham was a ‘galactico’, but Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have hit new heights this season at Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, respectively.

Kane has netted 42 goals in as many games in all competitions this campaign while Bellingham has become an instant hit with the Los Blancos faithful after scoring 21 goals in all competitions so far, including late winners in both El Clasico’s.

In two months, they will undoubtedly be lining up together in hope of bringing an international trophy home for England, but tonight they are enemies.

Which player will have a bigger influence on tonight’s proceedings?

Mail Sport’s Riath Al-Samarrai has already said it, the Madrid fans’ presence in Munich is quite impressive – they are up for it tonight.

Here is the footage to go with the statement, it is quite an atmosphere they are making at the moment.

I’m hoping the noise in the stadium later will be just as good.

Riath Al-Samarrai, Mail Sport, in Munich:

Just under two hours to kick off and not known many atmospheres quite like this one. Madrid fans colonised Marienplatz station and the noise is quite incredible. Vini Jr shirts currently outnumbering those of Bellingham.

Right then, I think we should take a look at how both sides got to the semi-final stage.

Real Madrid secured six wins from six in the group stage, while Bayern Munich went unbeaten, winning five of their six fixtures. Now let’s take a closer look at their knockout stage results (we will display the aggregate scores):

• Round of 16: BAYERN 3-1 Lazio & REAL MADRID 2-1 RB Leipzig
• Quarter-final: BAYERN 3-2 Arsenal & Manchester City 4-4 (P) REAL MADRID

It’s fair to say both sides have had close calls since the group stages, Real Madrid in particular who survived an onslaught from Manchester City.

However, European pedigree pulled both of them through. They will both be hoping it can do the same over the next 8 days.

I’m not sure you need me to tell you just how big both of these clubs are.

As I made clear in the introduction, both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are clubs steeped in history, it is always expected of them to reach this stage of the Champions League.

Both sides are having extremely different campaigns. Bayern have had a season to forget, relinquishing their stranglehold on the Bundesliga to Bayer Leverkusen. All will be forgiven though if Thomas Tuchel can give them the parting gift of a European Cup.

Meanwhile, Los Blancos have been loving life under Carlo Ancelotti this year. They are on the verge of reclaiming their La Liga crown and are now the strong favourites for this competition.

That being said, it doesn’t make this tie any less important for either side. They will both be desperate to add another European star next to their name.

The stakes don’t get much higher than this, the semi-final stage is a cruel time to be knocked out of the competition – both clubs know it – which is what makes the games so fierce.

It’s going to be intense – I love it!

It’s that time again and I for one am very excited.

There may not be any English sides left in the Champions League, but the competition is still serving up some tasty ties for us.

Four teams are within touching distance of the final and tonight we start with two sides that are no strangers to being in this position.

Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have won 20 Champions League titles between them, including seven out of the last 11.

They both know what it takes to beat each other and win European football’s premier competition, but who will take the first step toward their goal tonight?

Right, let’s get on with it!