Following FC Bayern's impressive 2-1 victory in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals against Real Madrid, the media has been abuzz with praise for the German side. This win marks Bayern's first triumph at the Santiago Bernabéu in 25 years, showcasing their strength on an international stage.

German Media Reactions

In Germany, the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. The Süddeutsche Zeitung highlighted Bayern's achievement, stating, “Bayern conquer the Bernabéu,” and noted that the team had opportunities to extend their lead further. The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung emphasized Manuel Neuer's performance, calling it a “Hannibal moment of Madrid,” and pointed out that only the best strikers can beat the veteran goalkeeper. Meanwhile, Der Spiegel remarked on how quickly Bayern made Real Madrid appear vulnerable, with a special goal after the break sealing the win. Sky echoed this sentiment, declaring that Bayern “stormed the fortress Bernabéu” and are now in a strong position for the return leg. Sport1 also noted the significance of the victory, stating that Bayern is on course for the semi-finals, with Harry Kane's historic goal and Neuer's class being pivotal to their success.

International Media Perspectives

Internationally, the reactions were mixed but still acknowledged Bayern's dominance. Marca from Spain pointed out that Kylian Mbappé provided Real Madrid with a “glimmer of hope,” suggesting that a miracle would be needed in the second leg. AS described the match as a “promising end to a bad night” for Real Madrid, noting that while they struggled for much of the game, they nearly salvaged a draw. El Mundo Deportivo echoed the sentiment of Bayern's superiority, stating that the German side is on course for the semi-finals but cautioned that Real Madrid would need to produce one of their classic comebacks to remain in contention.

As the teams prepare for the decisive second leg in Munich on April 15, Bayern holds a strong advantage, but the challenge remains significant. The media's reactions reflect both the excitement of the victory and the anticipation for what lies ahead in this high-stakes Champions League encounter.