Thomas Tuchel Says Bayern Munich Ready For Decisive Match At Real Madrid

Bayern Munich were victim of Real Madrid’s clinical finishing in the 2-2 draw on Tuesday, but coach Thomas Tuchel stated that the German team is prepared to defeat them in the upcoming Champions League semi-final return leg in Madrid next week.

Within the opening minutes of the second half, Bayern Munich scored two goals in quick succession, with Leroy Sane finding the net and Harry Kane converting a penalty, effectively changing the course of the game after Vinicius Jr had given the visitors the lead in the 24th minute against the run of play.

The Brazilian striker also bagged an equalizer with an 83rd-minute spot-kick as Bayern was pushing for a third goal.

“The result is what it is and it’s not worth spending any time thinking about it,” Tuchel, who will leave Bayern at the end of the season after a disappointing domestic campaign, told a press conference. “Real have done it before, to score twice with two chances. We are not the first team to suffer that. They have the finish, they have the quality to do that”.

He continued, “We had a strong start then we lost a bit of our rhythm. We should have scored a third but we were not efficient enough, not cold enough to add a third. Then we gifted them a penalty.”

After taking a 2-1 lead, Bayern had a promising beginning and further opportunities to extend their lead. To progress to the final at Wembley, they must secure a victory against Real Madrid, who are fighting for their 15th European Cup, in the match in Madrid next Wednesday.

Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint Germain face each other in the other semi-final on Wednesday.

“The situation is now very clear,” Tuchel added. “We go to Madrid and the winner takes it all. We are ready to fight. It is important to believe that. It is still possible. It is 50-50. It is one of the toughest places to win but that is also what makes this challenge exciting.”