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Real Madrid held strong for 90 minutes against European Champions Bayern Munich to take a 1-0 lead to Allianz Arena after the first leg of the Champions League Semifinal.
Despite Bayern holding 85% of the possession in the first 20 minutes, Real Madrid kept calm and did just fine without the ball. They stayed patient and did what they do best: counter.
A Pepe block on a Toni Kroos volley spurred Real to their first attack in the 19th minute. Cristiano Ronaldo sent a spectacular ball that released Fabio Coentrao on the left side who then sent a low cross past two outstretched defenders to a streaking Benzema who finished effortlessly.
Bayern showed holes in their defense, especially struggling with Real’s speed in counter attack situations and at right back. Rafinha never figured out how to handle Ronaldo and Coentrao, which we knew would be a big match up. If it wasn’t for Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria uncharacteristically spoiling a couple of chances, Bayern could of been headed home down three goals. Carlo Ancelotti had their tactics on point but failed to put the nail in the coffin.
As usual, Pep Guardiola’s side held all of the possession, but they didn’t experience any true chance until late in the match, which they failed to capitalize on:
It was Guardiola’s first loss in the Bernabeu, and his team surely wasn’t as sharp as they should of been. Ribery struggled to impact the game and, as possession is only as valuable as what you do with the ball, Bayern really didn’t do much. It felt eerily similar to the struggles Barcelona has gone through when trying to find good chances.
It’s safe to say we will see something similar to this game in the second leg, but with more star power and probably more goals. Real will rely on good defending and will look for any opportunity to spring forward. Gareth Bale will most likely start with Ronaldo up front after coming on as a sub, due to the flu, and will add lightning speed up front to an already dangerous counter attack.
Bayern will hold most of the possession and will look to create more chances. Philipp Lahm should move back to right back to spell Rafinha, which will open a spot for offensive specialist Mario Gotze or Thomas Mueller.
Real Madrid won’t complain about the result, especially if they can find an away goal in Allianz Arena next Tuesday. Bayern and Pep Guardiola will have their work cut out for them as they try to hold off Real Madrid’s bid for the final for the first time in 12 years.
