Real Madrid beats Bayern in Champions League Semi-Final First Leg

Updated On Apr 26, 2018 by David Nugent

Marcelo equalises against Bayern Munich: UEFA Champions League - Semi-Final, First Leg 2018On Wednesday night, Spanish giants Real Madrid recorded a 2-1 win at German champions Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final first leg.

Despite the scoreline, the home side enjoyed the better chances and could rue not winning the game with a difficult second leg to come at the Bernabeu on Tuesday night.

The home side made the brighter start to the clash, as Thomas Muller failed to control a pulled back from Robert Lewandowski.

The home side lost Dutch winger Arjen Robben due to injury just eight minutes into the game and former Barcelona midfielder Thiago replaced the former Real Madrid star.

The game then became slightly more often, nevertheless, the Bavarian giants took the lead on 28 minutes. Los Blancos loanee James Rodriguez played a crucial part in the goal finding Joshua Kimmich on the right side of the box and the youngster hit a drive over Keylor Navas in the visitor’s goal.

The German champions then suffered another injury blow, as defender Jerome Boateng went off due to injury. Bayern continued to create chances though, as centre-back Mats Hummels volleyed over the bar after Lewandowski headed had found its way to the Germany international. Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane also produced a superb blocked from a powerful Thomas Muller effort on goal.

The visitors were back on level terms against the run of play on 44 minutes. Dani Carvajal headed found its way to Brazilian full-back Marcelo, who volleyed home past Sven Ulreich in the Bayern goal. The visitors took the lead on 57 minutes. Rafinha lost possession, Lucas Vasquez then raced towards goal before finding Marcos Asensio and the youngster fired past Ulreich.

Bayern continued to have chances and Navas produced a superb save from Lewandowski to maintain his sides lead on the night. With just two minutes left on the clock, Lewandowski was put through on goal with only the Real Madrid ‘keeper to beat. However, the former Dortmund striker ended up chipping his effort wide of goal. The opportunity was arguably the best of the night and Bayern may well rue the miss.

The tie is in the balance

The 2-1 scoreline puts this tie very much in the match, ahead of Tuesday night’s second leg in the Bernabeu. The two away goals could prove crucial in sealing the Spanish champions spot in May for the final in Kiev. Real will remain favourites to win the tie, especially due to their formidable home record in Europe at the Bernabeu.

The team from the Spanish capital have lost just two of their last 37 home games in European competition. However, one of those defeats came in a 3-1 loss to Juventus in their last Champions League home game. Bayern will feel they still have hope in the tie. However, the fact that the Spanish champions have now beaten the Bavarian outfit in their last six meetings suggests it could be Los Blancos that progress to the final.

Whoever makes the final faces a potentially tough game, as Liverpool looked formidable in their 5-2 home win over Roma in the other semi-final clash, so the Merseysiders are hot favourites to make their first Champions League final since 2007.

Can Bayern Munich still progress into the Champions League final?

David Nugent Author

First off, I want to say hi and wish a warm welcome to all gambling aficionados out there! My name is David Nugent and I am editor-in-chief of LegalGamblingAndTheLaw.com. I have always enjoyed various sports, primarily soccer, as I am a die-hard Everton fan.

Over time, I learned more about sports betting and discovered the fascinating online gambling industry. Eventually,...

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