Real Madrid has moved closer to gaining a first Champions League final berth in 12 years following a 1-0 win at the Bernabeu over defending champions Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
The record nine-times Champions League winners will have the advantage going into next week's return in Munich, while it was a losing return to Spain for Bayern coach Pep Guardiola, who mostly got the better of Real in four trophy-laden seasons in charge of their arch rivals Barcelona between 2008 and 2012.
According to Sport24, although Bayern dominated possession in the semi-final, first leg at the Bernabeu without posing much of a threat to the home goal, however, Karim Benzema's 19th-minute strike lifted Real's chances of claiming the elusive 10th European crown they have been chasing since their last triumph in 2002.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, back after knee and thigh muscle injuries, produced wasteful efforts despite having a record-equalling 14 goals in the Champions League this season, the report added.
