Former Bayern Munich forward Mario Gomez has shared his memories of facing Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, reflecting on the intensity of that experience.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s visit to Real Madrid on Wednesday night, Gomez recalled the 2011/12 Champions League semi-final second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, describing the atmosphere as incredibly hostile.
In an interview with Relevo, Gomez said then-manager Jupp Heynckes warned the players during the pre-match briefing that the key to the game would be surviving the opening moments.
“In the team meeting, Heynckes told us, ‘Guys, today it’s all about survival. We must make it through the first 10 minutes. This stadium is on another level. You’ll feel the energy they give their players at the start. It’s like nothing you’ve experienced before. We have to hold out and not concede,’” Gomez recounted.
“But then we started the match… and within ten minutes, it was already 2-0 to Real Madrid.”
Although Bayern ultimately triumphed over Madrid in that tie, their Champions League journey ended in heartbreak as they lost the final to Chelsea in a penalty shootout.