Champions League: Real Madrid fly back home with two-goal advantage

Apr 26, 2018 at 2:38 AM

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Champions League: Real Madrid fly back home with two-goal advantage

Marco Asensio’s half-time introduction proved decisive as Real Madrid pickpocketed a 2-1 win at Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

Bayern overcame the early loss of Arjen Robben through injury to lead when Joshua Kimmich caught Kaylor Navas with a rasping finish before the half-hour mark.

Zinedine Zidane’s European champions never truly recovered their defensive poise from that point, even after Marcelo clattered home a 44th-minute equaliser.

Full-backs were the heroes in both first-half goals, but an awful error by Bayern left-back Rafinha allowed Asensio, on for the struggling Isco, to hand Madrid a significant second away goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who had scored in every match in this season’s competition, had a strike ruled out for handball – an advantage that would have further flattered Zidane’s men after a strangely error-strewn encounter at the Allianz Arena, where Robert Lewandowski’s pursuit of a 40th goal this season went awry in untimely fashion.

Thomas Muller was unable to contort himself to convert Lewandowski’s hooked cross during the opening minute, setting the tone for a frantic start that continued until Robben pulled up.

The Bayern winger made way due to a problem with his right leg and the pace of the game settled following Thiago Alcantara’s introduction.

The first clear chance fell Madrid’s way when Dani Carvajal darted in behind James Rodriguez – playing against his parent club – for Lucas Vazquez’s return flick and shot too close to Sven Ulreich.

There were questions over Ulreich’s opposite number Navas in the 28th minute when Kimmich latched on to James’ incisive pass and clattered past the Madrid goalkeeper at his near post.

Bayern then lost centre-back Jerome Boateng to a hamstring injury, but it was Madrid ailing in defence – Navas rushing out to deny Franck Ribery one-on-one as a heavy touch undermined the veteran Frenchman.

Lewandowski and Muller had further chances as Madrid floundered under set-pieces in first-half stoppage time and the latter was heroically denied in the goalmouth by a combination of Raphael Varane and Ramos in the 51st minute after Ribery twisted past Casemiro.

Rafinha’s dreadful pass across midfield set Asensio scampering into the Bayern half. Lucas’ return pass left him with work to do, but the 22-year-old clipped an assured finish beyond the advancing Ulreich.

Navas had responded well to his earlier setback and stood firm to deny Ribery in the 63rd minute.

Muller was unable to scramble home when Javi Martinez rose at the back post as another cross caused havoc in the Madrid box before the tireless Ribery had a drive deflected wide in the 70th minute.

Lewandowski clipped wide from 10 yards in the 88th minute, concluding an uncharacteristically wasteful outing that leaves Bayern facing elimination by Madrid for the third time in five seasons.

FT: Bayern Munich 1-2 Real Madrid
Kimmich 28′ | Marcelo 44′ | Asensio 57′

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