Karim Benzema gives Real Madrid slight advantage over Bayern Munich

Real Madrid hopes their narrow home win over Bayern put them in position to reach the Champions League final for the first time since 2002.

In a matchup of teams acclaimed to be the best in Europe this season, Karim Benzema scored in the 19th minute to give Real a 1-0 victory over defending champions Bayern Munich in the first leg of their semi-final.

“We have a nice advantage and if we score, we can complicate things for them,” Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo said.

The second leg is Tuesday in Munich. Chelsea host the other semi-final next Wednesday following a 0-0 draw at Atletico Madrid this week.

“If you want to do damage, you have to go for the victory – because 1-0 is not definitive,” Real defender Sergio Ramos said. “But it’s a good result to take to Munich.”

Real, who beat Bayer Leverkusen in 2002 for the last of their record nine European titles, have been knocked out of the semi-finals for three straight years. The hosts dominated before a crowd of 79,283, outshooting Bayern 16-9 and maintaining 64 per cent possession.

“They had chances to score more goals, definitely,” Bayern coach Pep Guardiola. “We probably should have created a few more scoring chances. [But] they have a very good defence.”

Benzema scored from a counterattack when Cristiano Ronaldo found Fabio Coentrao speeding down the left flank. Coentrao crossed for Benzema, who tapped the ball past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from four yards.