Record Three Different Teams After Qualifying Bayern, Thomas Tuchel: Competition Is Not Over

Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel. (X/@FCBayern)

JAKARTA - Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel set a record for bringing three teams from three different countries to the semifinals of the Champions League. But the tough game was waiting because Bayern faced Real Madrid in the top four.

Bayern's steps were not easy when they fought in the Champions League quarter-finals. They face Arsenal who are not only on fire but have ambitions to achieve success in European competitions.

How could I not, Arsenal became one of the elite English Premier League teams, which has never lifted a wide yellow trophy. Compared to Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and finally Manchester City who have won the Champions League.

Even clubs like Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest have brought Champions trophies to England. This is what motivates Arsenal to achieve success in the Champions League.

But Bayern were able to overcome the pressure. In the first match at the Emirates, both teams drew 2-2. Bayern then narrowly won 1-0 at home to Arsenal at the Allianz Arena Stadium, Thursday, April 18, 2024 in the morning WIB.

Joshua Kimmich's defender broke the deadlock after Bayern's forwards, including Harry Kane, failed to score. His header which met Raphael Guerreiro's cross beat goalkeeper David Raya in the 63rd minute.

"It's like a chess game in the first half. Nobody wants to make the first mistake and each plays safe. During the match break, I encourage players to be more daring to play. As a result, we played fantastically in the second half," said Tuchel.

Bayern qualified for the semifinals with a 3-2 aggregate advantage. This makes Tuchel the first German coach to bring three different teams from three different countries to the top four of the Champions League.

Previously, the 50-year-old coach brought Paris Saint-Germain to the 2020 Champions League final. The following year when he moved to Chelsea, he not only took the team to the semifinals and finals but won for the second time.

Now, Tuchel has passed Bayern to the top four as well as opened the hope of closing the competition with a trophy. Because Bayern has failed completely in domestic competitions.

Bayern lost to Bayer Leverkusen in Germany's Bundesliga. They were also eliminated in the German Cup. In the aftermath, Tuchel had to end his collaboration with Bayern after the end of the competition.

However, the former Borussia Dortmund coach hopes to give the Champions League trophy before leaving Bayern. Especially after the team stepped into the semifinals.

"Los to the semifinals is a big step. It's great that we can reach the top four," said Tuchel.

"This match is a special moment. We beat one of the Premier League's top clubs. But the competition is not over yet, especially for now," he said again.

In the semifinals, Bayern met Real Madrid who eliminated defending champions Manchester City. They won 4-3 on penalties after both teams drew 1-1.

Bayern acted as host in the first match which was held on May 1, 2024 in the morning WIB. And, the following week, they visited Madrid headquarters.

"Of course, we are proud to be able to reach the semifinals. Next, we'll see what happens in the next two weeks [the Champions League semi-final match]," said Tuchel.