XtraTime Web Desk: Real Madrid inched a step closer to the final of another UEFA Champions League, their three on a row, as they snatched a vital 2-1 over German giants Bayern Munich away from home on Wednesday in the first leg of the semi final. Young Marco Asensio appeared to be the hero with a late winner.
The 22-year-old came off the bench to finish a counter-attack and complete the holders’ comeback win, giving Real the advantage for the return game in Madrid on next Tuesday.
Bayern took the lead at the sold-out Allianz Arena through Joshua Kimmich, but Marcelo equalised just before the break and Asensio put Real ahead.
“In the middle of the first half, we were playing well, but we lacked the killer instinct,” said Bayern skipper Thomas Mueller.
“Everything is still possible, but we did ourselves no favours today.”
Despite Bayern dominating possession and creating twice as many chances as Real, Madrid claimed a sixth straight win, dating back to 2012, over the Bavarians in the Champions League knockout stage.
“We didn’t put our chances away, while Real took their two chances,” said Kimmich.
“We were naive in front of goal, they are favourites now to go through, but we will give it our all in the return.”
Real coach Zinedine Zidane pulled a surprise before kick-off by leaving both Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema out of the starting line-up.
Isco, who was replaced by Asensio at half-time, and Lucas Vazquez played either side of Cristiano Ronaldo, who had a subdued night up front in Munich.
The Portuguese failed to add to his tally of 15 Champions League goals this season, being denied a second-half strike by an offside flag, which would have made it 3-1.