Real proud to suffer after victory in Munich
MADRID (Reuters) – Real Madrid is used to making other teams suffer, but on Wednesday night it withstood waves of pressure from Bayern Munich to win their Champions League semifinal first leg 2-1 and take a confident step towards reaching the final for a third year in a row.
At the Allianz Arena, Zinedine Zidane’s side had only 39.7 percent possession – its second lowest after the 3-0 defeat to Barcelona in December – while Bayern had 17 shots on goal to Madrid’s seven.
But in contrast to Bayern’s profligacy, the 12-time European champions made its few attempts count, hitting the target four times and scoring twice.
“We suffered a lot but the result is important,” said Real coach Zidane.
“You have to suffer, you cannot play in the Champions League and not suffer. But we are happy because we knew how to suffer without the ball.”
Bayern defender Joshua Kimmich gave the home side the lead with the help of unconvincing goalkeeping from Madrid’s Keylor Navas and Franck Ribery missed a chance to double the lead before Marcelo equalized just before halftime.
Substitute Marco Asensio pulled Madrid in front early in the second half by starting and finishing a sweeping counterattack.
“The game had the circumstances that we went behind and unconsciously we sat back a bit and suffered a little and they obviously wanted to go all out and try to win the game,” said Real captain Sergio Ramos.
“We took advantage of that, we got the equalizer, we defended very well and then we killed them on a counterattack. We need to remember nights like this and learn because that’s what makes this team great.”
Spanish newspaper AS called the result “a victory through suffering” and said Madrid “survived Bayern’s siege.” Barcelona-based daily Mundo
Deportivo praised through gritted teeth Madrid’s knack of winning games without being at their best.
“Just like always,” was the headline, claiming “Madrid rode their luck against an imprecise Bayern.”
As well as benefiting from Bayern’s profligacy, Madrid also showed its versatility when winger Lucas Vazquez switched to right back to cover for Dani Carvajal, who was forced off injured. Asensio also came on to replace injured Isco.
“Independently of how well the team played you have to hand it to Lucas Vazquez who played with all his spirit,” Ramos added.
“He held his own against Ribery, who is one of the best players in the world. It is moments like that which make this team even greater.”
Ramos was not concerned by the manner of Real’s victory and wore it as a badge of pride in a post on Instagram, posting a picture of himself clenching his fist with the message: “Know how to suffer. Know how to win. Know how to be Real Madrid.”