It was the UEFA Champions League semifinal clash between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich on May 8th, 2024 was among the most anticipated matches during the current season. Real Madrid triumphed 2-1 at home, making it to the finals with a score of 4-3 aggregate. This article delves in the Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich lineups tactics, tactical strategies, and crucial moments in the game that resulted in the dramatic win.
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich Lineups: Starting XI Breakdown
Real Madrid Starting Lineup (4-4-2 Formation)
| Position | Player Name |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Andriy Lunin |
| Right-Back | Dani Carvajal |
| Center-Back | Antonio Rudiger |
| Center-Back | Nacho Fernandez (C) |
| Left-Back | Ferland Mendy |
| Midfielders | Federico Valverde |
| Midfielders | Aurelien Tchouameni |
| Midfielders | Toni Kroos |
| Midfielders | Jude Bellingham |
| Forwards | Rodrygo |
| Forwards | Vinicius Junior |
Key Substitutes for Real Madrid:
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Joselu (scored each goal)
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Eduardo Camavinga
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Luka Modric
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Antonio Rudiger
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Brahim Diaz
Bayern Munich Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1 Formation)
| Position | Player Name |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Manuel Neuer |
| Right-Back | Joshua Kimmich |
| Center-Back | Matthijs de Ligt |
| Center-Back | Eric Dier |
| Left-Back | Noussair Mazraoui |
| Midfielders | Konrad Laimer |
| Midfielders | Leon Goretzka |
| Attacking Midfielders | Serge Gnabry |
| Attacking Midfielders | Jamal Musiala |
| Attacking Midfielders | Leroy Sane |
| Forward | Harry Kane |
Key Substitutes for Bayern Munich:
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Thomas Muller
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Alphonso Davies (scored the Bayern goal)
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Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich: Tactical Analysis
Real Madrid’s Strategy and Playstyle
The Real Madrid’s 4-4-2 formation was heavily based on a well-organized defensive system and swift counter-attacks. The team tried to absorb Bayern Munich’s high-pressing game and then use the defensive space.
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Defense Solidity: Despite an intense game against Bayern Munich, Real Madrid‘s back four, anchored by Nacho Fernandez was solid. Lunin was able to make some crucial saves, particularly in the opening half when Bayern were in attacking mode.
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Midfield Control: Tchouameni and Kroos played the role of the engines in the middle of midfield keeping the ball in play and disrupting Bayern’s rhythm. While the other players, Bellingham and Valverde moved forward to help support the attack, while balancing the team’s offensive and defensive strategies.
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attacking width: Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo were the key in stretching Bayern’s defense, making use of their speed and ability to create space for midfielders to work in.
Also Read: PSG vs Bayern Munich Lineups: A Detailed Breakdown of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Quarterfinals
Bayern Munich’s Strategy and Playstyle
Bayern Munich, in their formation of 4-2-3-1 focused on high pressure and possession-based soccer. They wanted to stop Real Madrid’s build-up game while retaining a strong attacking force.
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High Pressure: Bayern employed a high pressing technique through their midfielders Goretzka and Laimer. Goretzka and Laimer. Goretzka that put lots in pressure Real Madrid‘s build-up play, particularly during the first half of the game.
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The Wing and the Width: Sane and Gnabry were vital for Bayern by giving width and delivering dangersome balls to the box. They also created many opportunities through taking on their rivals and sending crosses after crosses to Harry Kane.
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Defensive vulnerability Although Bayern had superior offensive capabilities but their defense was vulnerable to counter-attacks. Real Madrid took advantage of this in the final minutes of the game and scored two goals within a short time.
Important Moments of The Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich Match
Early Lead for Bayern Munich
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“68′”: Bayern took the lead after a skillfully placed shot by Alphonso Davies who made the most of an incisive counter-attack to defeat Lunin in the process of putting Bayern ahead by 1-0.
Real Madrid’s Stunning Comeback
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“88′: Joselu scored in the 88th minute for Real Madrid with a header after a rebound off an Neuer save which brought the score to 1-1.
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90+1′: In the final moments, Joselu scored another time with a header off an Vinicius Jr. cross, complete the turnaround and sealing the win of 2-1 for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich: Statistical Breakdown
| Statistic | Real Madrid | Bayern Munich |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 52% | 48% |
| Shots on Target | 6 | 4 |
| Corners | 4 | 3 |
| Pass Accuracy | 87% | 85% |
| Total Passes | 580 | 530 |
| Fouls Committed | 12 | 15 |
In the chart, Real Madrid had a slight advantage in possession in passing accuracy, as well as shots that hit the mark, demonstrating their dominance over the game’s crucial moments.
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich Lineups: Final Thoughts
The Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich lineups played a key role in the tactical battle that played out during the Santiago Bernabeu. Both teams showed their strengths: Real Madrid’s strength and resilience, as well as counter-attacking and Bayern Munich’s ferocious pressure and wing-play. But in the end Real Madrid’s tactical changes and team depth helped they through until the end of the.
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Bayern Munich may be in control of possession for substantial moments of the game however their defensive weaknesses and the effect of the substitutes for Real Madrid were obvious in the final minutes.
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Real Madrid showed the reasons why they’re among the top teams in Europe and the world, by Joselu‘s final-minute heroics showing the crucial difference.
The strategic battle between these two titans underscored the importance of depth in a squad as well as the ability to adapt under stress. Real Madrid’s utilization of their Subs and their wing players was the key to their victory, while Bayern Munich’s inability to take advantage of their dominance in the beginning eventually cost them the game.