If there were Football faculties, students would have to study “crisis management” or how to reverse adverse trends in matches. And if some idiot had compression problems, the matter would be solved by plugging in the video of Bayern Munich-Real Madrid from last night. When they seemed most rushed and outmatched, the two teams turned the score around as if football were a game of magic. The lesson was masterful because it is only available to very mature teams, incapable of losing their temper.
Real Madrid seemed overwhelmed by Bayern’s start. Awkward, clumsy, cramped. During the first twenty minutes, the Germans intimidated with up to three scoring chances. There, the virgin appeared to Real Madrid, but above all Toni Kroos, who assumed command of a devastated army. The German caught the drama and took a step forward. Great teams always have a quarterback, usually a veteran, and that was Kroos, who rounded off the lead with a deep pass well taken advantage of by Vinícius. From the mud to 0-1, a cold blow that, of course, upset Bayern.
In the second half, the roles were reversed with the locals wrinkled. A wild start from Sané and a foul penalty from Lucas Vázquez were enough for Bayern to overcome the crisis in five minutes. And 2-1. In turn, the confusion corresponded to Real Madrid. What the classics called a match from power to power. Without losing their composure, the visitors continued doing their thing. It’s trust, stupid. And they forced a penalty in the final stretch, far from making it 2-1.
Without being showy, the semi-final was worthy of the two most classic clubs in Old Europe. The symbolic cafes of Vienna, Paris and even Rome are disappearing but they are still there, faithful to simple football values: no one trembles here. It is not surprising that they have won 20 European Cups in view of the impassive way in which both came out of critical moments.
In case anyone had any doubt that it was a Champions League match, let’s go to the refereeing. Two penalties. Some kicks. And at no time was there the slightest quarrel or misplaced intervention from the VAR. Exceptional peace in the eyes of the League spectator, accustomed to bell tower controversies, surreal interpretations of the regulations and our desire to make everything muddy. It seemed like there was no referee…
Managing crises means playing badly without losing your temper or conceding goals. Seeing yourself overcome and knowing that it is a temporary problem. Hence a tie between two greats. The formula of timelessness.
