TheCable

Goals from Marcelo and Marco Asensio helped defending Champions, Real Madrid to a 2-1 comeback win over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi final tie.

Bayern faced injury concerns to key players David Alaba and Arturo Vidal and were dealt further blows with early injuries to Arjen Robben and Jerome Boateng.

Both teams were misplacing passes all over the pitch and Daniel Carvajal almost scored from one, shooting straight at Ulreich from Rafinha’s poor control.

Just like it happened against Juventus, Marcelo abandoned his left channel and Bayern capitalized to devastating effect. Joshua Kimmich was played through into acres of space and the versatile German international applied a clever finish at the near post with the jittery Navas expecting a cross.

Jupp Heynckes was coach the last time Bayern eliminated Madrid and his side should have been two nil up minutes later but Ribery and Martinez could not keep their composure.

Unlike Sevilla, Madrid did not panick despite being behind, and they equalized through Marcelo with half time looming. The Brazilian wing back made one of his unending forward runs count, meeting Carvajal’s deep cross with a well struck volley into the bottom corner from just just outside the penalty area.

A cagey affair ensued in the second half with both teams looking to capitalize on the other’s mistake and Real did three minutes before the hour mark from a costly Rafinha mistake. From a cleared corner kick, rafinha made a mess of a simple pass, allowing Madrid youngsters Vasquez and Asensio to exchange passes, with the latter finding the far post to put the visitors ahead 2-1.

Ronaldo had been quiet all night but came to life with the introduction of Benzema as the Frenchman’s presence allowed him to ghost around. He did find the back of the net on 70 minutes with a swiveling shot but the Balon D’Or holder was adjudged to have controlled the ball with his arm.

The German champions pushed for the equalizer and Thiago’s through ball set Lewandowski free on goal with only Navas in goal to beat but the 30-year old Pole shot inexplicably wide.

Real Madrid however held on for a 2-1 win to give them the advantage going into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium next week.