Bayern Defeats Madrid in Round One of Semifinals

Bayern Munich (16' Ribéry, 89' Gomez) 2 – 1 (52' Özil) Real Madrid

Real Madrid played an intense match against old Champions League foe, Bayern Munich, tonight at the Allianz Arena.  Bayern maintained its impressive undefeated record at home against los Blancos, with a dramatic 2-1 victory in the first leg of the UCL semifinals.

Visiting Real Madrid took control early on in the match, French international Karim Benzema with a chance of opening the score sheet, but Bayern GK, Manuel Neuer, saved the attempt.  The Whites had another chance a minute later at the 8' with a header from Cristiano Ronalo, but the attempt was blocked.  The atmosphere of the stadium could only be described as static, the home side frustrated with Madrid's possession.

Bayern began to attack more and eventually netted the opener at the 16', with a right-footed shot to the center of goal from Frenchman, Franck Ribéry, following a corner.  Sergio Ramos had not dealt with Toni Kroos' corner properly, the ball finding its way to Ribéry.  A set piece?  Wonderful.  The Bavarians figured out Real Madrid's weakness.  As they took the lead, José Mourinho looked displeased from the sidelines.

 

Real Madrid did their best to regain composure as Bayern continued with their blitzkrieg on the pitch.  Mario Gomez seemed to be keen on scoring against los Blancos throughout the first half, however, San Iker saved every attempt, much to his frustration and the joy of all Madridistas.  The home team was unable to score again before the whistle, much to my relief, and Madrid entered halftime behind 1-nil.

Madrid started the second half much like they did in the first, finally netting a much needed equalizer seven minutes after kickoff.  It would be German international, Mesut Özil, who scored, with a right-footed shot from very close range to the center of goal, Cristiano at the assist.  Bayern's defense was all too caught up with ball-watching as Benzema's shot had Neuer glued to the far post.  Cristiano cut the ball back into the danger-zone, where Özil tapped it in to unguarded net.

It looked like it would be a draw, which, to be honest, I would have been happy with, knowing full well how difficult it is to play against Bayern, but no.  Oh no.  The Bavarians had other plans.  After having his attempts of goal dashed by Casillas all throughout, Bayern's Gomez finally saw the back of net at the 89'.  What an upset for los Blancos and Madridistas!  ¿Por qué?

The result leaves Bayern with an advantage come second leg of the semifinals, which takes place at the Santiago Bernabéu, Wednesday, April 25^th.  Notably, the German-based team was the first to defeat Real Madrid in the Champions League this season.

Real Madrid plays FC Barcelona in a La Liga Clásico this Saturday, April 21^st, at Camp Nou.  Until then, ¡Hala Madrid!

written by Gail Hidalgo