Bayern Munich 1-2 Real Madrid: Marco Asensio and Marcelo strike to give holders advantageBy Charlotte Marsh
Last Updated: 25/04/18 10:14pm
Real Madrid came from behind to seize a 2-1 Champions League first-leg lead over Bayern Munich courtesy of goals from Marcelo and Marco Asensio either side of half-time. Bayern had the better of the chances throughout the game but could only find the net once as Joshua Kimmich (28) opened the scoring at the Allianz Arena. But the current holders got themselves back into the game just before the break with a fine strike from Marcelo (44) before Asensio (56) put them in front as the visitors capitalised on a Bayern error. Real Madrid will take two crucial away goals into Tuesday's second leg at the Bernabeu, while Bayern could be left to rue their multiple missed chances.
The game began at breakneck speed and Bayern could have scored within seconds, but Thomas Muller could not control Robert Lewandowski's ball back across the face of goal. They suffered a blow not long after though as Arjen Robben was forced off in the eighth minute with an injury, being replaced by Thiago.
As the pace evened out, it was Bayern who opened the scoring in the 28th minute. Real Madrid loanee James Rodriguez slotted in Kimmich down the right of the box and he drove a shot over Keylor Navas.
Bayern were forced into a second change five minutes later as Jerome Boateng limped off with a groin injury but they continued to test Real Madrid despite the disruptions. Mats Hummels volleyed just over the bar after a header across the box from Lewandowski before Raphael Varane was forced to turn a stinging shot from Muller behind for a corner in the pick of the chances.
But Real Madrid pulled a goal back with just a minute of the first half to play. Dani Carvajal's header whistled through the area before finding Marcelo, who found the corner with a sweeping volley.
Substitute Asensio punished a Bayern error 10 minutes into the second half when Rafinha lost possession and allowed Lucas Vazquez to burst down the field before playing in the Spaniard, who swept home past Sven Ulreich.
Bayern continued to see the better of the chances, though, with Lewandowski forcing a fine save from Navas, and he should have netted an equaliser in the 88th minute with only Navas to beat at the near post, he could only put his attempted chip over the goalkeeper wide.
But the Germans could not make their attempts count as Real Madrid held out to take a handy advantage into next week's second leg tie.
http://www.skysports.com/football/bay-munich-vs-r-madrid/report/389015
