Joshua Kimmich reflects on Bayern's dramatic victory over Real Madrid
Joshua Kimmich has admitted Bayern Munich were not at their best despite securing a dramatic 4-3 victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday, a result that sent them into the Champions League semi-finals with a 6-4 aggregate win. The German international midfielder spoke to DAZN after a match that saw Bayern concede an early goal due to a Manuel Neuer error before recovering to win a thrilling tie. The Bavarians will now face Paris Saint-Germain in the last four, with the first leg scheduled for April 28 in Paris.
Kimmich acknowledged the chaotic nature of the quarter-final second leg at the Allianz Arena. He stated that the team felt the advantage would swing their way as the match progressed, a belief that ultimately proved correct. The 29-year-old highlighted the contrasting styles of the two teams, noting Bayern's threat through high pressing and Real Madrid's danger on quick transitions, which led to a frenetic first half. He credited a calmer, more controlled second-half performance for enabling the comeback victory.
While pleased with the outcome, Kimmich was candid about the performance level. He told DAZN it was not a top display from Thomas Tuchel's side, but emphasized the importance of winning and advancing. The result means Bayern have won both legs of their knockout tie against the Spanish giants, booking a place in the semi-finals for the first time in three seasons. Kimmich believes the final four will feature the best teams in Europe, setting the stage for a compelling conclusion to the tournament.
The focus now shifts to a familiar opponent in Paris Saint-Germain. Kimmich noted he watched PSG's first-leg performance against Liverpool and observed they are in strong form, peaking at the right time. The two clubs have a recent history in the competition, with Bayern eliminating PSG en route to winning the Champions League in 2020 and again in the 2021 quarter-finals. PSG gained a measure of revenge with a victory at the Club World Cup last season, which Kimmich recalled as matches played at an exceptionally high level.
Kimmich expressed his anticipation for the upcoming two-legged tie, which concludes with the return at the Allianz Arena on May 6. The semi-final pits two of European football's heavyweights against each other, with Bayern seeking a seventh European crown and PSG chasing their first. For Kimmich, a mainstay in Bayern's midfield since 2015, this represents another crucial chapter in his career at the club, where he has won multiple Bundesliga titles and the Champions League. His experience and leadership will be vital as Bayern aim to navigate past a PSG side led by Kylian Mbappe.
