While FC Bayern Munich and Real Madrid engaged in a thrilling first half of their Champions League quarter-final second leg, the injured Lennart Karl caused a stir from the main stand.
The teenager had already left his seat after 39 minutes, shortly after Harry Kane’s equalizer to make it 2-2. He reportedly took photos with some fans and therefore likely missed his team conceding their third goal of the evening in the 42nd minute. It remains unclear if Karl later saw Kylian Mbappé’s strike on a screen.
Tom Bischof and Sven Ulreich, who were also unavailable for coach Vincent Kompany due to injuries, remained in their seats until halftime before heading to the Allianz Arena’s interior. By the restart, the duo had returned slightly late, and Karl was nowhere to be seen. He reappeared only in the 52nd minute.
He enthusiastically acknowledged Luis Díaz’s crucial goal for the 3-3 draw, which secured their progression to the semi-finals. Before stoppage time, and thus before Michael Olise’s 4-3 goal, Karl, Ulreich, and Bischof left their seats to join the team’s celebrations on the pitch.
Shortly after kick-off, Karl had already drawn attention on the main stand with his extravagant outfit. Dressed entirely in pink – from his shoes, trousers, and top to his hat – he arrived slightly late with companions and headed towards his designated seat. During his arrival, he witnessed Manuel Neuer gifting the visitors a 1-0 lead (scored by Arda Güler) with a catastrophic misplaced pass.
Karl Out Indefinitely for FC Bayern
Karl is sidelined for Bayern due to a partial tear in his right hamstring. The Munich club has not provided a specific timeframe for his return, but it is confirmed that the 18-year-old will be unavailable «for the time being.» The attacking player himself commented on Instagram, stating: «Hope to be back soon. Wishing the team maximum success.»
Bayern announced Bischof’s absence only shortly before the match. The midfielder has suffered a «minor muscle fiber tear in his calf,» according to FCB.