FC Bayern reached the semi-finals of the Champions League with a dramatic 4:3 win against Real Madrid – and caused heated reactions throughout Europe. While the yellow card against Eduardo Camavinga in particular caused outrage in Spain, the game was celebrated as one of the most spectacular duels of the season in other countries
The referee’s decision is particularly in the spotlight in Spain, with MARCA calling it an „injustice“ and stressing that the game will be remembered above all for the sending-off, as Real had brought the „big favourites“ Bayern to the brink of defeat
AS also paid tribute to Madrid’s combative performance, but also criticized the decisive scene: the sending-off against Camavinga was a moment that „belongs in the complaints book“. At the same time, the paper emphasized the unbroken fighting spirit of the Whites
Other Spanish media are already looking further afield: Mundo Deportivo saw Real on the brink of a „miracle“ that ultimately failed to materialize, while Sport noted that Bayern had robbed the Madrilenians of their myth
England celebrates a soccer spectacle
The assessment on the island is completely different, with the BBC summing it up: „What a game of soccer!“ Defensively perhaps not perfect – but entertaining to the max
The Guardian went one step further and sharply criticized Real Madrid’s behaviour after the game, saying that the victim role was not worthy of a club like Real
The Sun was also enthusiastic and spoke of a „beautiful game in its purest form“, clear praise for the intensity and quality of the duel – and a swipe at supposedly boring Premier League games
Italy praise Bayern’s performance
In Italy, the verdict was much more sober, but no less appreciative: the Gazzetta dello Sport highlighted Munich’s performance in particular and spoke of a deserved semi-final appearance after an „impressive performance“
In the end, it was an evening that was talked about far beyond Munich. While some spoke of a game-deciding mistake, others celebrated a soccer festival at the highest level
Press reviews from Germany
The German media also described the match as an extraordinary soccer spectacle. Die Welt wrote: „Diaz and Olise have the last word – Bayern advance to the semi-finals in an epic match.“
Der kicker spoke of a „thrilling soccer festival“ and emphasized: „Bayern in the CL semi-finals after beating Real 4:3.“
At t-online.de, the focus was primarily on the drama: „FC Bayern in the semi-finals after Real drama.“
BILD chose the usual big words and ran the headline: „Semi-final! Semi-final! Semi-final! THE BAYERN SPECTACLE – three times behind against Real – but still on.“
Der Spiegel highlighted the decisive protagonists and wrote: „Díaz and Olise save FC Bayern’s place in the semi-finals – what a spectacle in the Champions League.“
SPORT1 also celebrated the Munich side’s performance and spoke of an „absolute Bayern madness“ in which Díaz „became a hero“.
SPOX also focused on the drama of the match: „Seven goals, drama and furious Real stars: FC Bayern in the Champions League semi-finals after an epic battle.“
One thing is clear: this quarter-final will be talked about for a long time to come – and shows once again why the Champions League is the biggest stage in club soccer.