Football

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal on Tuesday. Vinícius Júnior was the star for Madrid, scoring twice to cancel out goals from Leroy Sané and Harry Kane.Bayern dominated the opening stages, but Madrid took the lead against the run of play when Vinícius Júnior raced onto a through ball from Toni Kroos and slotted past Manuel Neuer. Bayern equalized in the second half through Sané, but Kane put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot just four minutes later.Madrid were awarded a penalty of their own late on when Kim Min-jae brought down Rodrygo, and Vinícius Júnior made no mistake from the spot. The result leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg in Madrid on May 8.Vinícius Júnior's performance was particularly impressive. The Brazilian forward was a constant threat to the Bayern defense, and his two goals were crucial in keeping Madrid in the tie.Toni Kroos also played a key role for Madrid. The German midfielder returned to his former club and put in a typically composed performance, dictating the tempo of the game and creating chances for his teammates.Bayern will be disappointed not to have won the first leg at home, but they will still be confident of reaching the final. The German champions have a strong record at the Allianz Arena, and they will be looking to use their home advantage to their advantage in the second leg.

Toni Kroos, the 34-year-old German midfield maestro, has made a sensational return to the national team after announcing his retirement three years ago. Kroos' decision to step down in 2021 was a surprise, but his exceptional form for Real Madrid and the German team's struggles have prompted him to reconsider.Kroos' return is a major boost for Germany, who have endured a disappointing period since winning the 2014 World Cup. The team failed to progress beyond the group stage in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, and crashed out of the 2020 Euros in the round of 16.New coach Julian Nagelsmann believes Kroos' experience and leadership will be invaluable to the young German squad. Kroos is known for his exceptional passing range, tactical intelligence, and ability to control the tempo of the game. He is also a role model for younger players, guiding them and showing them how to work effectively as a team.Kroos' return is particularly significant given the team's lack of experienced mentors. The squad is filled with talented young players, but they have lacked the guidance of senior figures. Kroos' presence will provide stability and direction, helping the team to develop and reach its potential.Kroos' decision to return to the national team has been met with excitement by fans and pundits alike. He is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation, and his return gives Germany a genuine chance of success at the 2024 Euros, which will be held on home soil.While some fans have expressed concerns about the toll that additional international matches could take on Kroos, most are simply delighted to see him back in the German colors. Kroos has always been a vocal critic of the congested football calendar, but he has assured fans that he is still physically and mentally capable of playing at the highest level.With Kroos back in the fold, Germany will be a formidable force in the upcoming Euros. His experience, leadership, and exceptional passing ability will be crucial to the team's success.

Toni Kroos, the Real Madrid midfielder, has announced his return to the German national team after a three-year absence. The 34-year-old, who last played for Germany at the 2018 World Cup, made the announcement on Instagram, stating that he was motivated by a request from coach Julian Nagelsmann and his belief in the team's potential at the upcoming European Championship.Kroos's decision to return to the national team is a significant boost for Germany, who are looking to bounce back from their disappointing performance at the 2018 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the group stage. The midfielder's experience and quality will be invaluable to Nagelsmann's side, who will be aiming to make a deep run in the tournament, which will be held in Germany from June 14 to July 14.Kroos has been one of the most consistent and successful midfielders in world football over the past decade. He has won numerous trophies with Real Madrid, including four Champions League titles and two La Liga titles. He has also been a key player for Germany, helping them win the 2014 World Cup and the 2017 Confederations Cup.The midfielder's return to the national team has been welcomed by Nagelsmann, who said that Kroos is "a world-class player who will bring a lot of quality and experience to the team." Kroos is expected to make his return to the Germany squad for the upcoming friendlies against France and the Netherlands in March.