Bayern Munich Advances to Champions League Semifinals After 4-3 Win Over Real Madrid

Bayern Munich defeated Real Madrid 4-3 at the Allianz Arena on April 15, 2026, advancing to the Champions League semifinals with a 6-4 aggregate score after a chaotic, goal-filled match that was ultimately decided by two goals in the final minutes. Real Madrid had led 3-2 heading into the closing stages, with the tie finely balanced, before Eduardo Camavinga's controversial dismissal in the 86th minute swung the contest decisively in Bayern's favor. Luis Díaz equalized in the 89th minute and Michael Olise sealed the comeback in the 90th-minute stoppage time, sending the Allianz Arena into celebration. Arsenal also advanced on the same evening, drawing 0-0 with Sporting Lisbon to progress 1-0 on aggregate. The two results confirmed the semifinal pairings: Bayern Munich against PSG, and Arsenal against Atletico Madrid.

Güler's brace and Mbappé goal put Real in command The match began at a breathtaking pace, with Real Madrid taking the lead within the opening minute. Arda Güler exploited a Manuel Neuer error during a clearance to score from thirty meters, putting the visitors ahead almost immediately. Aleksandar Pavlovic equalized for Bayern in the 6th minute, converting from close range after a Kimmich corner caused confusion in the Madrid box. Güler then restored Real's lead in the 29th minute with a curling free kick that found the top corner, netting his brace. Harry Kane pulled Bayern level again in the 38th minute, turning and finishing clinically in the center of the area for what was, according to La Stampa, his 50th goal of the season. Kylian Mbappé then put Real Madrid back in front in the 42nd minute, finishing a move involving Vinícius Júnior to make it 3-2 at halftime. The first half alone produced five goals and left the tie in perfect balance heading into the break.

[{"side1": "Bayern Munich", "side2": "Real Madrid", "score1": 4, "score2": 3, "round": "Quarterfinal (2nd leg)"}]

Key moments — Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid: — ; — ; — ; — ; — ; — ; — ; —

Camavinga red card sparks fury and Spanish media outrage The pivotal moment of the match arrived in the 86th minute, when Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić issued Eduardo Camavinga a second yellow card for wasting time. Camavinga, who had entered the game as a substitute and received his first booking in the 78th minute, carried the ball across the pitch and kicked it away to slow Bayern's restart — a decision Vinčić deemed worthy of a second caution. Real Madrid's players reacted furiously, with Vinícius Júnior sarcastically applauding the referee. Within minutes of the dismissal, Bayern scored twice to complete the comeback. After the final whistle, Arda Güler was also sent off for protesting the referee's decisions. Spanish media reacted with outrage: Marca led its coverage with the headline "Injusticia" — "Injustice" — in direct reference to Camavinga's expulsion. Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa was unsparing in his assessment of the refereeing call.

„We are very angry and very disappointed. I think it was a great match by both teams and I think it was balanced. Then after the second yellow for Camavinga everything ended: it is incredible, no one can explain how a player can be sent off for that type of incident.” — Álvaro Arbeloa via ANSA

Arbeloa also defended his players' overall performance, insisting Real had been competitive throughout.

„I am proud of my players, they did their best, fought for the club and for the shirt, they deserved more. We played a great match against a great team, we had our opportunities in the second half as well.” — Álvaro Arbeloa via ANSA

Real Madrid were knocked out of the Champions League quarterfinals for the second consecutive year, according to Deutsche Welle. The club had also been eliminated from the Copa del Rey and faced a near-impossible task in La Liga, making the Champions League their last realistic hope of silverware in the 2025-26 season. Bayern Munich, meanwhile, had already demonstrated their quality by winning the first leg 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, a result that gave them confidence heading into the return fixture at the Allianz Arena.

Arsenal grind through in London, Arteta's men reach last four Arsenal's passage to the semifinals was achieved in a markedly different fashion, with Mikel Arteta's side playing out a controlled 0-0 draw against Sporting Lisbon at home to advance 1-0 on aggregate. The match in London was largely uneventful in the first half, with few clear chances created by either side until the 40th minute, when a clearance error by Arsenal goalkeeper Raya went unpunished after Sporting's Pedro Gonçalves failed to convert. Sporting were the more adventurous side in search of a goal, hitting the post through Catamo, who volleyed a cross from Araújo. In the second half, Arsenal managed the game more effectively and came close themselves through Leandro Trossard, who struck the woodwork. Arsenal survived a late scare involving João Simões before confirming their place in the semifinals. Arteta's team will face Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid, who had already eliminated Barcelona to reach the last four. PSG, the defending champions, had eliminated Liverpool to set up their semifinal against Bayern Munich, with the first legs scheduled for April 28 and the return legs on May 6.

6-4 (aggregate goals) — Bayern's total aggregate score over Real Madrid across both legs

Bayern München, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Sporting CP