Real Madrid Thrash Bayern Munich 6-3 to Reach Champions League Semis

Reigning Champions Cruise into Last Four

Real Madrid produced a stunning performance to thrash Bayern Munich 6-3 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday night. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in the first half, with Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos also on target to give the hosts a comfortable lead. Sergio Ramos scored twice in the second half to make it 6-1 and seemingly put the tie beyond doubt. However, Bayern Munich battled back with two goals from Robert Lewandowski and one from Joshua Kimmich to set up a thrilling second leg in Germany.

Ronaldo Double Sets the Tone

It was Ronaldo who inspired Real Madrid's electric start. The Portuguese forward scored his first goal in just the third minute, taking advantage of a mistake by Bayern's Javi Martinez. He then doubled his tally just before the half-hour mark, firing home from a tight angle after a brilliant assist from Toni Kroos. Benzema made it 3-0 in the 40th minute, tapping in from close range after Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer had denied Ronaldo.

Kroos and Ramos Complete the Rout

Any hopes of a Bayern comeback were extinguished early in the second half when Kroos scored a stunning free-kick to make it 4-0. Ramos then put the game to bed with two goals in the space of seven minutes. His first came from a header in the 63rd minute, while his second was a stunning volley from the edge of the area.

Bayern Show Fight in Final Minutes

Bayern Munich managed to salvage some pride in the final minutes with two goals from Lewandowski. The Polish striker scored his first in the 84th minute, before adding his second in stoppage time. Joshua Kimmich scored Bayern's third goal in between Lewandowski's strikes, giving the German champions a glimmer of hope ahead of the second leg.