Joshua Kimmich has named Bayern Munich’s biggest rival to win the Champions League after the quarter-final win over Real Madrid.
Bayern took a one-goal lead back to the Allianz Arena for Wednesday’s quarter-final second leg after winning 2-1 at the Bernabeu last week.
Any thoughts that Vincent Kompany’s side would stroll through the semi-finals were quickly dashed, however, as Arda Guler took advantage of a rare Manuel Neuer error to score in the first minutes.
Aleksandar Pavlovic soon equalised for the hosts but Real Madrid led again midway through the first half courtesy of Guler’s brilliant free-kick.
England captain Harry Kane swept Bayern back level but Real Madrid regained their lead by the half-time break through Kylian Mbappe.
The La Liga giants were reduced to ten men late on and Bayern took full advantage of their numerical advantage, scoring two more goals through Luis Diaz and Michael Olise.
Bayern Munich’s reward for elimination European powerhouse Real Madrid is a mouth-watering Champions League semi-finals against holders PSG, who outclassed Liverpool in their quarter-final tie.
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Premier League leaders Arsenal face Spanish side Atletico Madrid in the other semi-final after wins over Sporting and Barcelona respectively.
Speaking to DAZN after Bayern knocked out Madrid, Kimmich said: ‘There was a lot of drama. Of course, we didn’t start the game the way we wanted to.
‘But at half-time, we felt that the advantage was with us the longer the game went on. It paid off watching until the end.
‘We knew that both teams can hurt each other: Bayern with the high pressing, Real Madrid through quick transitions.
‘We got off to a bad start, and then conceded again through a free-kick and a counter.
‘The first half was hectic. The second half was calmer; we had more control and then managed to win it in the end.’
Kimmich also declared Bayern Munich and PSG the two ‘best teams in Europe’ ahead of an intriguing semi-final.
‘I don’t think that tonight was a top performance,’ the Germany captain said. ‘It wasn’t our best game.
‘But, of course, we’re delighted with the win. We can’t forget we’ve won on the night too.
‘We’re through to the final four with two wins. And I believe the best teams in Europe are now set to meet in the semi-final.’
Bayern boss Kompany, meanwhile, added: ‘It was a very emotional game. We had lots of possession and always had the feeling we could score.
‘But Real Madrid are Real Madrid. They are always a threat. The boys were mentally strong today to recover from setbacks.
‘The fans helped us as well. We stayed calm and always felt that our moment would come.’
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