Bayern Munich Defeats Real Madrid 2-1 in Champions League Quarterfinal First Leg

Harry Kane and Luis Díaz lead Bayern to victory in Madrid

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:10pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Champions League soccer match between two teams, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color representing the action on the field.Bayern Munich's victory at the Bernabéu sets the stage for a dramatic second leg in their Champions League quarterfinal clash with Real Madrid.New Haven Today

Bayern Munich defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal matchup. Harry Kane, returning from injury, scored a goal and assisted on the opening tally by Luis Díaz to lead the German club to victory at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid.

Why it matters

This result sets up an intriguing second leg between two of Europe's top clubs as they battle for a spot in the Champions League semifinals. Bayern's victory on the road gives them the advantage heading into the return fixture, though Real Madrid will look to overturn the deficit at home.

The details

Kane, who had been sidelined with an injury, made an immediate impact, scoring in the 28th minute to give Bayern the lead. He then set up Díaz's goal in the 36th minute to double the visitors' advantage. Real Madrid pulled one back through a goal from Vinícius Júnior in the 74th minute, but Bayern held on for the 2-1 win.

  • The match was played on April 7, 2026.
  • The second leg of the quarterfinal tie will take place on April 14, 2026.

The players

Harry Kane

An English striker who plays for Bayern Munich.

Luis Díaz

A Colombian midfielder who plays for Bayern Munich.

Vinícius Júnior

A Brazilian forward who plays for Real Madrid.

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What they’re saying

“We knew it was going to be a tough match against the defending champions, but the team showed great character to get the win.”

— Julian Nagelsmann, Bayern Munich Manager

“We're disappointed with the result, but there's still a lot of football to be played. We'll be ready for the second leg at home.”

— Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid Manager

What’s next

The second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid will take place on April 14, 2026 at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

The takeaway

This victory for Bayern Munich on the road against the defending Champions League champions sets up an intriguing second leg, as the German club looks to advance to the semifinals while Real Madrid aims to overturn the deficit at home.