A violent waiter and Joselu’s heroics: six of Bayern and Madrid’s finest games

As the most played fixture in European competition looms once more, we look back on 50 years of thrills and spills. The Champions League’s answer to the El Clásico resumes in Madrid on Tuesday, as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich prepare to face off in a match that has become synonymous with high stakes and dramatic encounters. With 28 matches and counting, including 13 knockout ties, this rivalry has been a cornerstone of the competition’s history. Here are six of the best encounters between these two European giants.

The first of these memorable games took place in the 1999-2000 season, when Bayern Munich and Real Madrid met in the quarter-finals. The first leg in Munich ended in a 1-1 draw, with Bayern’s Mario Basler equalizing Real’s goal in the 89th minute. The return leg in Madrid promised to be a tense affair, and it did not disappoint. In the 89th minute of extra time, Bayern’s Mehmet Scholl scored the decisive goal, sending the Bavarians through to the semi-finals with a 2-1 aggregate victory. This match is often remembered for its dramatic late goals and the intensity of the rivalry.

Another unforgettable encounter occurred in the 2011-2012 season, when Real Madrid and Bayern Munich faced off in the semi-finals. The first leg in Madrid ended in a 2-2 draw, with Real’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Özil scoring for the home side, while Bayern’s Thomas Müller and Arjen Robben found the net. The second leg in Munich was equally dramatic. Real Madrid took an early lead through Karim Benzema, but Bayern fought back with goals from Mario Götze and Franck Ribéry. The match ended 2-2, and Real Madrid advanced to the final on away goals. This two-legged series is remembered for its high-scoring nature and the incredible performances from both teams.

In the 2013-2014 season, the two teams met in the quarter-finals, with Bayern Munich looking to avenge their defeat in the previous season. The first leg in Munich was a masterclass by Bayern, who won 4-0 with goals from Franck Ribéry, Mario Mandžukić, and a brace from Arjen Robben. Real Madrid, however, were not to be underestimated, and they fought back in the return leg in Madrid. Real’s Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice, and Xabi Alonso added a third, but it was not enough to overturn the deficit. Bayern advanced 5-0 on aggregate, and later went on to win the Champions League. This match is often cited as a turning point in Bayern’s dominance in European football during that period.

One of the most violent encounters in the history of the rivalry took place in the 2016-2017 season, when the two teams met in the round of 16. The first leg in Munich was a tense affair, with both teams struggling to break the deadlock. However, the second leg in Madrid was a different story. Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos was sent off early in the match, but the home side fought back with a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo. Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich was then sent off for a violent challenge on Dani Carvajal, and the match descended into chaos. Real Madrid’s Marcos Llorente was also sent off, and the match ended 4-2 to Bayern on aggregate. This match is infamous for its violent exchanges and the red cards that flew thick and fast.

In the 2017-2018 season, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich faced off in the quarter-finals, with both teams looking to reach the semi-finals. The first leg in Madrid ended in a 2-1 victory for Real, with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Casemiro, while Bayern’s Corentin Tolisso scored the only goal for the visitors. The second leg in Munich was a classic encounter. Bayern took the lead through a goal from James Rodríguez, but Real Madrid fought back with a goal from Karim Benzema. The match ended 2-2, and Real Madrid advanced to the semi-finals on away goals. This two-legged series is remembered for its tactical brilliance and the incredible performances from both teams.

One of the most memorable games in the history of the rivalry occurred in the 2019-2020 season, when Real Madrid and Bayern Munich met in the round of 16. The first leg in Madrid ended in a 2-0 victory for Real, with goals from Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo. The second leg in Munich was a different story. Bayern’s Kingsley Coman opened the scoring, but Real Madrid’s Luka Modrić and Casemiro scored twice to secure a 4-2 aggregate victory. However, the hero of the match was Real Madrid’s Álvaro Odriozola, who scored an incredible goal in the 90th minute to secure the victory. This match is often remembered for its dramatic late goal and the incredible performances from both teams.

Over the past 50 years, the rivalry between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich has produced some of the most thrilling and memorable games in European football. From dramatic late goals to violent exchanges, these encounters have showcased the best of both teams and the Champions League. As the two giants prepare to face off once more, fans can expect another dramatic and unforgettable encounter.