Real Madrid and Bayern Munich's Epic Rivalry: Every Battle in Their Legendary Head-to-Head History

Commonly referred to as the European Clásico, encounters between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich never fail to send shockwaves across the continental stage.

The most trophy-laden clubs in Spanish and German football know each other better than any other pairing in the Champions League. The two sides have met on 28 occasions, making it the most frequent fixture in the tournament's storied history.

That remarkable tally is set to grow once more as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich prepare to collide in the 2025–26 Champions League quarterfinals. Both clubs will be hungry to add another unmissable chapter to their European rivalry, with a semifinal berth awaiting the winner and a premature exit from the road to Budapest for the loser.

Here is a look back at some of the most memorable Champions League meetings between these two giants.

Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich: Five Classic Matches

5. Bayern Munich 1–1 Real Madrid - March 31, 1976

There is nothing quite like the opening chapter of a great European rivalry. The two clubs met for the very first time in the first leg of the 1975–76 semifinals, with the match finishing level.

Real Madrid made a flying start in front of their home supporters, as Roberto Martínez put them ahead just seven minutes in. That would prove to be the extent of the hosts' scoring, however, before Gerd Müller grabbed the equalizer on the stroke of halftime.

Perhaps even more unforgettable than the football itself was the Real Madrid supporter who stormed the pitch after the final whistle and struck the referee.

Bayern Munich went on to claim the second leg 2–0 and progress to the final, where they capped their campaign with European glory.

4. Bayern Munich 3–2 Real Madrid - March 2, 1988

It is a rare sight to witness a Champions League match played in snowy conditions, yet the first leg of the 1987–88 quarterfinals took place on a partially snow-covered pitch in Germany.

Bayern Munich controlled proceedings from the very first minute and had built a commanding 3–0 lead by the 47th minute. Firmly in control, the hosts eased off slightly, handing Los Blancos a lifeline to claw their way back into the tie.

Emilio Butragueño pulled one back in the 85th minute before Hugo Sánchez curled a free kick into the net just five minutes later, dramatically shifting the momentum—and Real Madrid would go on to seal a 2–0 win in the second leg.

3. Real Madrid 2–1 Bayern Munich - April 25, 2012

With a spot in the 2011–12 Champions League final at stake, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich locked horns at the Bernabéu. The visitors entered the second leg holding a 2–1 aggregate advantage, but this time they were unable to keep Cristiano Ronaldo quiet.

The Portuguese star netted twice, yet Arjen Robben responded with a goal of his own, leveling the tie at 3–3 on aggregate. Extra time came and went without a decisive goal, leading to a penalty shootout—the only one in the history of this fixture.

Los Blancos buckled under the pressure, converting just one of their four spot kicks. Despite Iker Casillas pulling off two saves, he could not prevent Bayern Munich from triumphing 3–1 in the shootout.

2. Real Madrid 4–2 Bayern Munich - April 18, 2017

Drama erupted in the second leg of the 2016–17 Champions League quarterfinals. Real Madrid entered the match with a 2–1 aggregate lead, but by the end of 90 minutes, Bayern Munich had secured a 2–1 win of their own, sending the tie into extra time.

Ronaldo, who had already netted Real Madrid's only goal of the evening, stepped up once more to score two additional goals against the depleted hosts, who had seen Arturo Vidal dismissed in the 84th minute.

The hat-trick from the club's all-time top scorer drove Los Blancos into the semifinals. To put any remaining doubts to rest, Marco Asensio added a fourth to complete a 4–2 triumph.

1. Real Madrid 2–1 Bayern Munich - May 8, 2024

Nobody will forget where they were when unlikely Real Madrid substitute Joselu struck twice in the space of three minutes to propel his side into the 2023–24 Champions League final.

Carlo Ancelotti's side appeared to be heading for a semifinal elimination on home soil after Alphonso Davies netted the decisive goal in the 68th minute to put Bayern Munich ahead 3–2 on aggregate.

Then, cementing his place in club legend, Joselu struck twice in the closing moments to deliver a breathtaking, against-all-odds victory—both on the night and across the tie—for Los Blancos, who went on to claim their 15th European crown.

Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich: Complete Head-to-Head Record

Top Scorers in Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich

Stats via Transfermarkt.