Vincent Kompany: “Real Madrid didn’t surprise us”

15 April 2026, Bavaria, Munich: Soccer, Men: Champions League, Bayern Munich - Real Madrid, knockout round, quarter-finals, second leg, Allianz Arena, Coach Vincent Kompany (Bayern Munich) and coach Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid) greet each other before the match. Photo: Sven Hoppe/dpa (Photo by Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images) Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany had a simple answer when asked what separated his team from Real Madrid across two legs, as he said the explanation was clear: “We didn’t lose”. His side came from behind three times to win 4-3 on the night and eliminate Real Madrid 6-4 on aggregate.

“Every time they scored, we reacted and didn’t give up,” he reflected. Real Madrid had given Bayern every opportunity to buckle. Arda Güler scored inside 45 seconds, capitalising on a Manuel Neuer error to lob into an open goal.

When Güler then bent a free kick into the top corner to make it 2-1 on the night, the tie was level on aggregate and Real Madrid were in front in Munich. Kylian Mbappé added a third before half-time. Bayern answered every time.

“We conceded in the 45th minute, but we reacted well and equalised,” Kompany said. “That’s what I’ll take away from this, our ability to react. ” On facing Real Madrid specifically, Kompany was respectful but keen to highlight his own team’s preparations.