Real Madrid took a step towards their first Champions League final in 12 years by beating Bayern Munich 1-0 at the Bernabeu thanks to a first-half goal by Karim Benzema. Carlo Ancelotti's side must still survive another 90 minutes against the European champions, but head to the semi-final second leg in Munich with the added advantage of not conceding an away goal. The visitors dominated possession but were unable to break down a sturdy Madrid side, who looked far more dangerous than the Germans when they attacked, and Los Blancos will be frustrated that they were not able to add to Benzema's 19th minute tap-in, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria spurning great chances. However, Bayern thought they should have been awarded a penalty in injury time when Thomas Muller was brought down by Xabi Alonso. Gareth Bale, who had been suffering from flu, began on the bench, while Ronaldo returned after four games out with a hamstring injury. Bayern's two most expensive players, Javi Martinez and Mario Gotze, were also substitutes.
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