Bayern Munich, the German club of South Korean national team defender Kim Min-jae, defeated Real Madrid of Spain to boost their prospects of reaching the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League (UCL) semifinals.
Munich beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the first leg of the quarterfinals at Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, Spain, on Wednesday (Korea time). With the away victory secured, Munich now need only a draw in the second leg at home on April 16 to clinch a semifinal berth.
Kim was named on the match-day squad but did not get on the pitch, watching his team's victory from the bench. Munich took the lead in the 41st minute of the first half through a goal by Luis Díaz. After finishing the first half 1-0 up, Munich extended their advantage to 2-0 just one minute into the second half when Harry Kane scored. Real Madrid pulled one back through Kylian Mbappé in the 74th minute, but Munich held firm to preserve the one-goal victory.
In another quarterfinal, Arsenal of England beat Sporting of Portugal 1-0 away. Kai Havertz scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner in the first minute of second-half added time to seal the victory. The result puts Arsenal in a strong position ahead of the second leg at home on April 16.