TEMPO.CO, Madrid - Real Madrid managed to steal a winning in Bernabeu on facing defending champiion Bayern Muenchen in the first leg of Champions League semifinal. It was Karim Benzema, booking the only goal that night and saving Madrid before homeground fans.
Muenchen, playing with Pep Guardiola's typical ball possession scheme, dominated the first half, with 78 percent of ball possession. Madrid, under constant pressure from their guests, returned fire in a well-set counter attack as Karim Benzema left unguarded in Muenchen's defense. Benzema scored, 1-0 for Madrid. The first half ended with no more goal scored. Half time stats showed that were ahead in ball possession, yet only earning two shots on goal. Madrid, on the other hand, booked three shots on goal with less ball possession, a far more efficient display - if not to say too "Mourinho's".
As the second half began, Muenchen launched attack after attack. Robben, Muller, and Gotze each made a devastating strike against Madrid's Casillas, none scored. Madrid seemingly copied Chelsea's ultra-defensive scheme, frustating Muenchen's players.
With a winning in Bernabeu, Madrid is a goalless draw away from reaching the long-anticipated final and la decima. Muenchen, however, need to score at least two goals in the second leg at Allianz Arena next week, in order to reach its third consecutive Champions League final.
WHO SCORED | JOKO
