JAMAL MUSIALA SPARKS MAJOR SCARE AFTER COLLAPSING ON PITCH JUST MINUTES AFTER SCORING IN BAYERN'S WIN OVER LEIPZIG

Jamal Musiala collapsed minutes after scoring for Bayern against Leipzig, prompting a medical scare before walking off after treatment at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala sparked worrying scenes after suddenly collapsing on the pitch during his side's 3-1 pre-season victory over RB Leipzig in the Telekom Cup at the Allianz Arena.

Musiala, making his first appearance of Bayern's pre-season, had only been introduced in the 69th minute alongside Ismael Saibari and Alphonso Davies. Twelve minutes later, the Germany international marked his return by scoring Bayern's third goal, converting Saibari's cut-back in the 81st minute to put the result beyond Leipzig.

However, celebrations soon gave way to concern. Only a few minutes after scoring, Musiala appeared disoriented while standing on the pitch and began losing his balance. Saibari spotted his teammate struggling and rushed towards him, helping Musiala down before he could fall heavily.

Joshua Kimmich and other Bayern players immediately called for medical assistance as Musiala remained on the turf. An emergency doctor and members of the medical staff hurried onto the pitch, while a stretcher was also brought out as the Allianz Arena fell silent.

Bayern provide reassuring Musiala update after collapse

There was eventually relief when the emergency doctor signalled with a thumbs-up. Musiala was able to get back to his feet and leave the pitch without being carried off, although he appeared dazed as he made his way towards the tunnel.

Bayern sporting director Max Eberl later offered an encouraging update on the 23-year-old's condition.

"The most important thing is that he's OK," Eberl said, while declining to provide further medical details. Bayern had not announced an official diagnosis in the immediate aftermath of the incident.

The match was played in demanding conditions, with Bayern's official website recording temperatures of around 33 degrees Celsius in Munich. Reports in Germany subsequently suggested Musiala had experienced dizziness and circulatory problems, potentially linked to the extreme heat, although the club has not formally confirmed that as the cause.

The incident was particularly alarming given Musiala's recent injury history. He suffered a fractured fibula and a broken and dislocated ankle during Bayern's Club World Cup quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain in July 2025, an injury that kept him out for more than six months. Bayern confirmed last month that he had also undergone a small, planned follow-up operation related to that injury.

Musiala had only recently resumed full team training, and the Leipzig match represented another important step in his preparations for the new campaign.

Before the medical scare, Bayern had taken the lead through Luis Diaz in the 13th minute before Brajan Gruda equalised for Leipzig shortly after half-time. Nathaniel Brown restored Bayern's advantage in the 57th minute before Musiala's 81st-minute strike completed the 3-1 victory.

The result, however, was overshadowed by the sight of Musiala collapsing just minutes after scoring, with Bayern now expected to closely monitor his condition ahead of the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup against Borussia Dortmund on August 22.

- Probuddha Bhattacharjee

VINCENT KOMOANY FUMES AT 'RIDICULOUS' HANDBALL CALLS THAT LED TO BAYERN'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE EXIT

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Vincent Kompany unleashed a blistering attack on the officiating after Bayern Munich’s Champions League dreams were ended by Paris Saint-Germain. The Belgian tactician watched his side fall to a 6-5 aggregate defeat at the Allianz Arena, but the post-match talk was dominated by two massive handball calls that went against the Bavarian giants.

AFP

Vitinha smashes ball against Neves' arm

Bayern Munich’s elimination from the Champions League semi-finals following a tense 1-1 draw on the night was overshadowed by a series of controversial decisions. With a spot in the final against Arsenal on the line, the tension boiled over as the German side felt they were denied clear advantages.

The most debated moment arrived when Vitinha’s attempted clearance struck the outstretched arm of teammate Joao Neves inside the PSG box. Despite the Bayern players surrounding referee Joao Pinheiro in protest, no penalty was awarded. The decision stood because the current Laws of the Game protect players from handball calls when the ball is struck onto them by a teammate from close range, provided no immediate goal is scored. It was a bitter pill for Bayern to swallow, especially given the soft penalty they conceded in the first leg.

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Kompany hits out at 'ridiculous' handball rule

The Bayern Munich manager did not hold back after seeing his side dumped out of the competition, questioning the "common sense" of the officials monitoring the high-stakes clash.

“We have to look at some of the phases that were decided by the officials across the two games which… it’s never an excuse for everything but it matters,” Kompany said in his post-match assessment. “If we look at both legs probably too much went against us. The guys gave everything and we tried against a fantastic PSG team. [Joao Neves’] hand is in the air, it hits it. Because it’s from his own teammate it’s not a penalty. But if you look at both [situations], a little bit of common sense and it’s just ridiculous. Whatever needs to happen but it’s ridiculous. It doesn’t tell the whole game but it’s a one-goal game in the end.”

Nuno Mendes escapes red card

Kompany’s frustration was heavily compounded by an earlier flashpoint involving PSG defender Nuno Mendes, when the Portuguese international appeared to handle the ball deliberately to stop a Bayern attack. Already on a yellow card, Mendes seemed destined to be sent off. Instead, the referee awarded a free-kick to the visitors for an earlier infringement.

It was a moment that left the home crowd incensed. Bayern were already chasing the game against 11 men after Ousmane Dembele had given PSG the lead after just 141 seconds, and they firmly believed they deserved a numerical advantage. Commenting on the incident, Kompany suggested the official bottled a monumental decision: “I felt he pulled out because he realised he already gave him a yellow and he didn’t want to send him off for that.”

- Muhammad Zaki

BAYERN MÜNCHEN | SEP. 11, 2001 TRIBUTE

DETAILS OF THE 2024/25 EUROPEAN FINALS

 

🚨OFFICIAL: All the details of the 2024/25 European finals 🏆

🇫🇷 PSG - Paris Saint-Germain vs Inter 🇮🇹 — Champions League

📅 Saturday, May 31st

🏟️ Allianz Arena

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 — Europa League

📅 Wednesday, May 21st

🏟️ Allianz Arena Mamis

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Chelsea Football Club vs Real Betis Balompié 🇪🇸 — Conference League

📅 Wednesday, May 28

🏟️ Mieski Stadium.

FROM HOMESICK CHILD TO MAKING BAYERN MÜNCHEN'S UCL QUARTERFINALS SQUAD - WONDERKID LENNART KARL SPEAKS ON THE BIG JUMP HE HAS MADE IN RECENT YEARS

Karl is the latest youngster pushing to make the first team squad.

Photo by S. Mellar/FC Bayern via Getty Images

Bayern Munich’s Champions League exit in the quarterfinals against Inter Milan was a massive disappointment and understandably saw the fans hugely disappointed. However, there were several moments of promise and shoots of green that signify the growth the team can undergo in the next few years. Most surprising of all, however, was the inclusion of 17-year-old Lennart Karl in the squad against the Italian champions. The youngster, who joined from Aschaffenburg in 2022, has plundered a phenomenal 42 goal contributions in 26 games for the U-17 and U-19 teams and earned his call up to the first team with these stunning performances.

Still, just because his performances earned the step up does not mean it was not an incredible moment for the teenager. “I really enjoy these moments – whether it’s training with the first-team players or being in the squad for matches,” Karl said in a recent interview with Bayern’s official website. “Of course, I’m also a bit lucky that there are a few more squad spots available due to the many absences, but that doesn’t make it any less special. I can still remember when I moved to the Campus after my stints at Frankfurt and Aschaffenburg and felt very homesick in the first few weeks. Being here now means a lot to me.”

Karl was not just part of the squad, either. He even got a chance to warm up in the first leg in the Allianz Arena, signifying there was a chance he could have been substituted on to field. That did not happen, in the end, but Karl spoke of the excitement coursing through him at that moment: “Of course, I was a bit nervous before the game. I spoke to a lot of friends from home on the phone at the hotel, and as we headed to the stadium, I felt a positive sense of excitement. But that fades over time because you’re so focused on the game. Of course, I would have liked to play that evening or in the return leg, but I know who’s ahead of me in my position. Nevertheless, I always want to play and prove myself, whether with the first team, the U19s, or the U17s. I intend to always give my all to continuously develop.”

He will. Just give it time, and Karl can become truly special.

- Frank Mo

BUKAYO SAKA REVEALS CHAT WITH ARSENAL LEGEND ON DAY OF FAMOUS REAL MADRID WIN

Gunners winger has also explained his goal celebration that evoked memories of Thierry Henry’s heroics at the Bernabeu

ARSENAL HERO: BUKAYO SAKA WAS ONE OF THE STARS OF THE SHOW AS THE GUNNERS BEAT REAL MADRID AGAIN AT THE BERNABEU

Bukayo Saka has revealed that he spoke to Thierry Henry on the morning of Arsenal’s latest famous victory over Real Madrid, but insists he did not deliberately evoke his famous Bernabeu goal celebration.

Saka set the Gunners on their way to a second successive victory over the current Champions League holders on Wednesday evening, atoning for his early Panenka penalty attempt that was easily saved by Thibaut Courtois as he executed a brilliant lofted finish to put Mikel Arteta’s side ahead on the night and stretch their commanding aggregate lead in the quarter-final tie.

Arsenal eventually won 2-1 in Spain after Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time effort that followed Vinicius Jr quickly responding to Saka’s opener after a blunder from William Saliba, completing an emphatic 5-1 victory overall after Declan Rice had produced two stunning free-kicks to inspire an initial 3-0 first-leg success at the Emirates Stadium last week.

Paris Saint-Germain now stand between them and a place in the Champions League final at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena on May 31, after the reigning French champions just snuck past Aston Villa on Tuesday night despite a rousing second-half fightback that saw Unai Emery’s men win 3-2 on the night but go down 5-4 on aggregate.

Barcelona meet Inter Milan in the other semi-final tie after their respective wins over German giants Borussia Dortmund and Bayern.

Saka was once again one of Arsenal’s star performers against Madrid as he made up for his missed penalty with a superb goal and afterwards revealed that he had spoken to club icon Henry ahead of the game.

Asked on CBS Sports if he planned a post-match FaceTime with the French legend - part of the interview as a pundit - Saka said: "100 per cent. I spoke to him this morning already but if he wants to speak again later, I'm going to be up. I'm not going to sleep tonight, let's be real."

Arsenal are the first English team ever to win twice at the Bernabeu, having become the first ever to do it in the Champions League back in the last 16 of the 2005/06 season, when Henry’s second-half goal sealed a 1-0 first-leg victory in Madrid.

A goalless second-leg draw at Highbury then sent the Gunners through and they later beat Juventus and Villarreal before losing in agonising fashion to Barcelona in their first and only Champions League final appearance to date in Paris.

Saka’s “shushing” reaction after scoring on Wednesday was the same as Henry produced at the Bernabeu 19 years ago, with the England winger posting pictures of the two celebrations side-by-side on Instagram after the game.

And while he certainly appreciated the symmetry, Saka insisted he did not deliberately replicate Henry after his own memorable moment at one of European football’s most iconic venues.

"To be fair, not really,” he said. “I just wanted to have my own moment, but of course Thierry has done the same here and it's nice that we can share this picture. It's nice."

- ADAM DAVY/PA WIRE

MAN UNITED TARGET BAYERN MUNICH'S NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI - SOURCE

Noussair Mazraoui © Gallo Images

Manchester United are looking at a number of potential right-back signings including Bayern Munich's Noussair Mazraoui, a source has told ESPN.

United would like to add another right-back to their squad this summer, but it is likely to depend on Aaron Wan-Bissaka leaving Old Trafford.

Bayern defender Mazraoui is one of the names under consideration while the club has previously held an interest in Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong. A source has told ESPN that the 26-year-old Morocco international will be allowed to leave the Allianz Arena if Bayern's valuation is met.

United have signed 18-year-old centre-back Leny Yoro from Lille, but remain open to further defensive additions during the window.

There is still interest in Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, although the German side are demanding a fee of more than £42 million.

United will consider offers for Wan-Bissaka, who has been the subject of interest from Galatasaray and West Ham United, and are hoping to return a fee of around £20m. The 26-year-old has one year left on his contract at Old Trafford.

Wan-Bissaka is likely to be part of the United squad which travels to Los Angeles on Wednesday for the start of their preseason tour with matches against Arsenal and Real Betis.

United are set to take a reduced number of staff to the U.S. amid plans to cut around 250 jobs from the workforce. A number of staff who have been told their jobs are at risk have been taken off the tour with the cost-cutting drive, led by new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team, set to accelerate.

United declined to comment when asked about the staff reductions.

RALF RANGNICK REJECTS BAYERN MÜNCHEN AS FORMER MANCHESTER UNITED BOSS LEAVES GERMAN GIANTS IN LIMBO

Bayern chief Max Eberl outlines plan to announce new coach as the Austria manager releases a statement

 

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The favourite to take over as Bayern Munich’s next manager, Ralf Rangnick, has turned down the German giants.

Former Manchester United boss Rangnick has committed his future to the Austria national team despite being said to have held lengthy talks to succeed Thomas Tuchel at Allianz Arena.

According to Bild, the 65-year-old’s decision leaves Bayern in limbo over who will step into their dugout next season.

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi and ex-Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane are among the bookmakers’ alternative frontrunners alongside Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness and a potential return for Hansi Flick.

Rangnick released a statement on Thursday morning to explain his decision.

“I'm the Austrian team coach with all my heart,” he said. “I really enjoy this task and am determined to successfully continue on our chosen path.

“I would like to expressly emphasise that this is not a rejection of Bayern, but rather a decision for my team and our common goals. Our full concentration is on the Euros. We will do everything we can to get as far as possible.”

Bayern sporting director Max Eberl clarified this week that no announcement is imminent over the appointment.

“No announcement for next season can take place before the return match against Real Madrid,” he stated.

BAYERN PROVE TO BAYERN THEIR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MYTHICAL STATUS

Jamal Musiala and Vinícius Júnior stood out for their respective teams as Bayern Munich drew with Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal. (Photo by Antonio Villalba/Real Madrid via Getty Images)

 MUNICH, Germany -- When manager Thomas Tuchel was asked this week to assess Bayern Munich's challenge against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semifinal he paused for a second before explaining they would not just be facing a team, but also a "myth."

The Spanish giants have been so successful in Europe's premier club tournament, he said, that it couldn't simply be a case of talent and experience, but also something almost supernatural. Whatever it is that takes over Real Madrid in this competition was in evidence again at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.

On a night of fine margins, Bayern edged the game by nearly every statistical measure. But yet when the second leg kicks off at the Santiago Bernabeu in eight days' time, it will be Real Madrid in pole position to reach the final at Wembley in June thanks to a 2-2 draw secured in Munich. There's no other team in the world that knows how to get over the line like Real Madrid in the Champions League and from here it would be a surprise if they didn't finish the job in Spain next week and give themselves a chance of a record-extending 15th title.

Afterwards, Tuchel was left frustrated, but he's seen it all before. "Real Madrid have done it before, scoring two goals out of two chances," he said in his post-match news conference.

"We are not the first team to which it happens. They are clinical and have the patience to wait for it. Real Madrid does this to teams so we should not be disappointed for too long."

Delicately poised, this tie is not over and Bayern still have 90 minutes to turn it around. But as their players joined hands in front of the still-bouncing Sudkurve at the final whistle, they looked like a group contemplating what might have been. They outplayed Real Madrid for the first 20 minutes but couldn't score.

Then, leading 2-1 early in the second half, they passed up opportunities to get a third. It's been another bruising week for Tuchel -- accused by Bayern honorary president Uli Hoeneß of not being able to "develop" players -- but he can be satisfied that his tactical tweak to bring on Raphaël Guerreiro at half-time and stretch the game with wingers Leroy Sané and Jamal Musiala injected his team with enough impetus to score two quick goals.

But in the end, the story was about Real Madrid, the aura of a champion team and that mythical presence that nobody can quite put their finger on. Often the build-up to these games -- two European heavyweights going head-to-head at the business end of the most prestigious club competition in the world -- is dominated by talk of pressure.

But Real Madrid have players like Vinícius Júnior. In the third minute, he was charged down on the touchline by four Bayern defenders only to dissect them all with a casual flick of the ball to a teammate as if he was having a kick-about with his friends on the street. Pressure? What pressure?

There was no panic either when, after 40 seconds, Bayern sliced through with three passes from goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to Sané and Andriy Lunin was forced into an early save. The 75,000 home fans roared with approval, but it barely seemed to make an impression on the slow heart rates of Vinícius, Nacho, Antonio Rüdiger and Toni Kroos.

Kroos used to play for Bayern and was booed mercilessly as he meandered over to take a first-half corner. The German midfielder is the epitome of this team, with the experience to slow the game down when it's needed but also the quality to quicken it up when the opportunity presents.

Spotting Vinicius darting behind Kim Min-Jae midway through the first half, he threaded a precise pass through for the Brazilian to score with Real Madrid's first shot of the night. The Brazilian has joined a prestigious group -- Cristiano Ronaldo and Jari Litmanen are the only other players to score in three consecutive Champions League semifinals. After Tuchel's changes had helped Bayern to score two goals in four minutes early in the second half from Sane and a Harry Kane penalty it looked as if maybe for once Real Madrid's stardust had been lost on the flight. Not quite.

Presented with a penalty in the dying minutes after Rodrygo had been tugged down by Kim following a rare move forward, Vinicius tucked it away to send his team back to Madrid with momentum and the promise of yet another final.

It was their seventh goal in the last 15 minutes of Champions League games this season, a record no other team can match, manager Carlo Ancelotti summed it up perfectly in his post-match press conference; Real Madrid did enough and there won't be many now betting against them doing the same at the Bernabeu.

"Bayern showed their best qualities and us only part," said Ancelotti, another with that necessary experience as he took charge of a record-equalling 10th Champions League semifinal. "We play against a great opponent and it's all still open. We need the best version of Real Madrid and we didn't see it today. Still, we have a great chance to reach the final."

And there, in a nutshell, is Real Madrid. Not at their best, but still right there in the Champions League. Again.

- Rob Dawson, Correspondent

REAL MADRID WON'T UNDERESTIMATED MUNICH IN UCL - ANCELOTTI

Bayern Munich remain dangerous despite surrendering the Bundesliga title, Carlo Ancelotti said on Monday. Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

 MUNICH, Germany -- Carlo Ancelotti has insisted Real Madrid will not take Bayern Munich lightly in their Champions League semifinal despite their poor domestic season and labelled the German side "dangerous" ahead of the first leg at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.

Bayern have relinquished the Bundesliga title for the first time since 2012 with their disappointing campaign playing a part in the decision to part company with coach Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season.

Real Madrid are favourites to progress to the Champions League final at Wembley, but Ancelotti has warned his team against any complacency.

"We're preparing to play a big team with lots of qualities," Ancelotti told a news conference on Monday.

"We are confident and have faith but we have respect for Bayern Munich. They haven't played a fantastic season in the Bundesliga but they played very well in two matches against Arsenal. This shows the quality of this club.

"They are strong in transition, they can play in different ways and are very dangerous. We need to focus and take ourselves to the final, that's our goal."

At his own news conference earlier on Monday, Tuchel said Bayern would have "no chance" if the tie comes down to the experience of the two managers.

Ancelotti, 64, has won the Champions League four times and taken charge of more matches in the competition than any other coach, but the Italian was quick to brand his counterpart a "genius" when asked to assess Tuchel's ability.

"It's not up to us, the coaches," Ancelotti said.

"The match is up to the players. You give them the idea or the strategy and they have to be convinced of it but it's all about the players and their behaviour on the pitch. Thomas Tuchel is a great coach, especially in terms of tactics. A genius. His teams are always well trained and I have a lot of respect for him."

Real Madrid are favourites to add to their record 14 Champions League titles after knocking out holders Manchester City in the last round.

Federico Valverde was asked whether the competition was "easier" now City are out, but the midfielder said Bayern's history -- including six wins -- makes them just as big a threat as Pep Guardiola's side.

"All the matches are complicated in this competition," Valverde said.

"All the teams deserve respect, Bayern Munich above all. The same as Real Madrid they always make it until the end. We respect them in the same way we respect Manchester City. We need to show great performances with the quality that we have and we want to win this title.

"We need to have faith and confidence in all parts of the team. We want to make the final and that's what we fight for."

- Rob Dawson, Correspondent

BAYERN MUNCHEN VS. ARSENAL | ALLIANZ ARENA

FC BAYERN MUNCHEN: ALLIANZ ARENA LIT UP WITH UKRAINIAN FLAG 🇺🇦

 

ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI ON TOP OF ALLIANZ ARENA | 41 GOALS IN A SEASON | LEWY 41

 

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2016: ATLETICO MADRID NDANI YA FAINALI

Mechi ngumu ya nusu fainali ilikuwa kati ya Bayern Munich na Atletico Madrid...

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2016: BAO KALI SANA LA NIGUEZ LAIPA ATLETICO NAFASI NZURI KIDOGO

Saul Nigues, Spain U-21 International, aliwapiga chenga mabeki wa Bayern Munich kama wamesimama vile na kupachika bao safi kabisa...Bao la Niguez limewapa Atletico Madrid nafasi nzuri japo kidogo ya kuingia ungwe ya 2 wakisafi kwenda uwanja wa Bayern...Bayern walianza ovyo lakini badae walicheza mpira wa ukweli na wa akili lakini mabeki wa Atletico walikuwa wamejipanga...Torres nae hakuwa mbali na gli alipiga shuti likagonga mwamba...

Timu hizi zitakutana tena ndani ya Allianz Arena uwanja wa Bayern Jumanne ijayo...Bofya hapa upate habari zaidi.