Real Madrid vs Bayern LIVE Updates: Champions League Quarterfinals clash kicks off at Santiago Bernabeu (0-0)

Michael Olise is tearing apart Real Madrid's left flank. In the opening minutes of the game, the Frenchman has been receiving the ball with ease, beating Álvaro Carreras and Dean Huijsen with his dribbling and speed. This has created several scoring opportunities for them, which is his greatest strength.

By relying on quick counterattacks, Real Madrid have gradually gained ground against Bayern Munich. In fact, they’ve already had some good scoring chances through Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé, who have managed to create openings in the opposing defense—which leaves a lot of space behind them—and have shown that they don’t need to dominate possession to be dangerous.

Real Madrid have been unable to overcome Bayern Munich’s intense high press. Throughout the game, they have been pinned back in their own penalty area, as the Germans have quickly regained possession and looked to create danger down the wings. With crosses from Michael Olise and Joshua Kimmich, they have had good chances to score the opening goal against the Spanish side.

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich employ different tactical approaches. The Germans aim to keep their players close together, constantly looking for support to create numerical superiority. This is very different from Real Madrid’s approach, which focuses on opening up their opponents’ spaces, with Vinicius Jr. and Arda Güler on the left flank, while Trent Alexander-Arnold does the same on the right.

Following a perfect cross from Joshua Kimmich, Harry Kane received the ball in the box and played it straight to Dayot Upamecano. However, the Frenchman failed to control the ball properly, and it was cleared by Álvaro Carreras on the edge of the box.

Following an aggressive counterattack, Michael Olise receives a harsh foul near Real Madrid's area. For that reason, the referee decided to give him a free kick. Nonetheless, the Frenchman did not reach to score, as the ball was rejected by the rivals.

Bayern Munich have opted for an aggressive high press, constantly creating space through numerical superiority. Following a team move, Konrad Liamer received a cross and managed to get a shot off, which grazed the post of Andriy Lunin's goal.

Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich 2025-26 Champions League Quarterfinals clash is already underway at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

During Kylian Mbappé’s absence, coach Álvaro Arbeloa found an ideal solution in Brahim Diaz. Although he did not manage to score, the Moroccan played a key role in the starting lineup, drawing defenders’ attention. In addition, he contributed to the midfield by covering his teammates’ spaces and launching quick counterattacks.

With him on the bench, Los Blancos will have to rely on the creative strength of Arda Güler and Thiago Pitarch to find gaps in the opposition’s defense. Furthermore, Mbappé could pull defenders out of position, creating spaces that Valverde could exploit, aiming to repeat his scoring impact as he did against Manchester City. However, a lack of coordination among the players could leave them without options, as neither Vinicius nor Kylian provide coverage for their teammates, losing crucial support.

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Bayern Munich have established as one of the best-form teams in the world. They not only impose an uncommon style of play but also maintain a deep roster. For this reason, they enter as clear favorites to defeat Real Madrid. Nevertheless, they do not have a strong record against the Spanish side.

The German side has not beaten Los Blancos since 2019, when they faced each other in the Intercontinental Cup. Furthermore, their last victory over them in the Champions League dates back to April 17, 2012, meaning 14 years have passed without success. For this reason, coach Kompany faces a great opportunity to break a long-standing losing streak for his team, securing a semifinal spot.

Real Madrid face Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals. While they recover Kylian Mbappé, coach Álvaro Arbeloa faces the difficult absence of Thibaut Courtois, forcing him to make changes to his starting lineup. The Belgian star has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in the rectus femoris of his right quadriceps after the game vs. Manchester City in the Champions League.

In his place, Andriy Lunin will position as Real Madrid’s starting goalkeeper, looking to establish himself and compete for the starting role. Despite having limited playing time, the Ukrainian has shown he can rise to the occasion, even becoming a protagonist in previous editions of the competition.

Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich game is set to start at 3pm ET / 12pm PT.

You can watch the 2025-26 Champions League Quarterfinals First Leg clash live on Paramount + here.

After their dominant performance against Atalanta, Bayern Munich arrive as the clear favorite to defeat Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals first leg. Not only do they have Manuel Neuer back, but they also welcome back Harry Kane, giving coach Vincent Kompany all the tools he needs. With this, they hope to secure their place in the semifinals, aiming to crown an impressive season.

Having defeated Manchester City, Real Madrid arrive with full trust on their capacities to defeat Bayern Munich. While Thibaut Courtois is not playing today, coach Álvaro Arbeloa has recovered Kylian Mbappé, meaning a huge offensive boost. Coupled with this, Thiago Pitarch is again set to start, benching Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham.

Welcome to our live blog of the match between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in the 2025-26 Champions League Quarterfinals at Santiago Bernabeu stadium. Stay with us for all the key information about this clash, and once the game kicks off, for minute-by-minute updates.