Thiago (l.) and Toni Kroos (r.) compete for possession. - © © gettyimages / Matthias Hangst
Thiago (l.) and Toni Kroos (r.) compete for possession. - © © gettyimages / Matthias Hangst

Bayern Munich fall to Ronaldo and Real Madrid in Champions League quarters

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Bayern Munich's UEFA Champions League dreams came to an end at Real Madrid's Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night following a 4-2 defeat after extra time.

Real Madrid 4-2 Bayern Munich AET(6-3 aggregate)

Goals: 0-1 Lewandowski (pen. 53'); 1-1 Ronaldo (76'); 1-2 Ramos (o.g. 78'); 2-2 Ronaldo (105'); 3-2 Ronaldo (110'); 4-2 Asensio (112')

Red cards: Vidal (84')

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Knowing that only a minimum of two goals would secure a semi-final spot, Bayern began at express pace. Marcelo blocked superbly from Thiago, before Arturo Vidal then fired over, but, sensing space on the break, Madrid began to purr into life, turning the game into a breathless, end-to-end affair. Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng had to be on their guard, the latter blocking excellently from Toni Kroos. At the other end, Luka Modric denied Robert Lewandowski as half-time arrived without any goals, somehow.

The first goal arrived, in Bayern's favour, eight minutes into the second period. After Arjen Robben was brought down by Casemiro, Lewandowski coolly slotted his penalty. The opener was the cue for Bayern to up the ante; Franck Ribery went close soon after as Real were forced ever deeper. The visitors continued to press, but were dealt a sucker punch when Casemiro's cross found Ronaldo, who headed clinically past Neuer. Attacking with abandon, Bayern hit back immediately, when Sergio Ramos – so often the late hero - turned into his own net. The pendulum swung again, though: after Vidal saw red for a second bookable offence, Bayern hung on gamely to take the tie into extra-time.

Bayern began extra time well with Robben going close, but when Ronaldo volleyed home from Ramos' cross the game was up. The Portuguese forward completed his hat-trick moments later, before substitute Marco Asensio rounded off the scoring.

Man of the match

Hummels was a rock at the heart of the Bayern defence: the centre-back made three outstanding first-half blocks, and then three superb tackles in the second half when Bayern needed him most. It was a mighty performance, particularly coming so soon after injury.

Talking point

Bayern may well feel dispirited after this European exit, but there remains plenty to play for: Carlo Ancelotti's side are within touching distance of the Bundesliga title and face a mouthwatering DFB Cup semi-final against Borussia Dortmund next Wednesday.

Match stats

    Lewandowski is the first player to score six goals against Real Madrid in the Champions League.Bayern enjoyed 53 per cent of possession.Xabi Alonso and Philipp Lahm played their final European games.

Line-ups

Real Madrid: Navas - Carvajal, Ramos (c), Nacho, Marcelo - Modric, Casemiro, Kroos (Kovacic, 115') – Isco (Vazquez, 71'), Ronaldo, Benzema (Asensio, 64')

Coach: Zinedine Zidane

Bayern Munich Neuer - Lahm (c), Hummels, Boateng, Alaba – Alonso (Müller, 75'), Vidal – Ribery (Costa, 71'), Thiago, Robben - Lewandowski (Kimmich, 88')

Coach: Carlo Ancelotti