Bayern, Arsenal win in Champions League quarter final first-legs

Harry Kane celebrates scoring Bayern Munich's second goal against Real Madrid. Photo: PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU / AFP

Bayern Munich and Arsenal hold the advantage after Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first legs, after away wins over Real Madrid and Sporting Lisbon.

Bayern Munich took control of their quarter-final with a 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu, after a high-tempo contest in the Spanish capital.

Vincent Kompany's side struck just before halftime when Serge Gnabry slipped a precise pass through for Luis Diaz, who beat the offside trap and fired low past keeper Andriy Lunin in the 41st minute.

Bayern doubled their lead seconds after the restart as Michael Olise squared for Harry Kane to finish neatly from the edge of the box following a swift counter-attack.

Real improved after the hour and Kylian Mbappe pulled one back in the 74th minute, turning in Trent Alexander-Arnold's low cross at the far post.

Manuel Neuer then denied Mbappe and Vinicius Jr with a series of sharp saves as the hosts pressed for an equaliser that never came.

Arsenal take a narrow advantage back to London after a dramatic late winner secured a 1–0 victory over Sporting Lisbon.

The match at the Estádio José Alvalade was a tense and largely even contest, with both sides struggling to create clear chances for long periods. Sporting had moments of promise, testing goalkeeper David Raya, while Arsenal enjoyed slightly more possession but found it difficult to break down a disciplined home defence.

With the game seemingly heading for a goalless draw, Arsenal struck in stoppage time. Substitute Kai Havertz scored the decisive goal in the 91st minute, finishing from close range to give Mikel Arteta’s side a crucial away win.

The result ends Sporting’s strong home run and puts Arsenal in control of the tie ahead of the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.

More from Sports