Bayern Takes 2-1 Advantage

German side, Bayern Munich last night kept their hope of being one of the finalists of the 2011/2012 UEFA Champions League on home soil with a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid of Spain.

It was the first leg, semi-final match of the competition and one that saw nine-time European Champions, Real, experiencing yet another heart break against Bayern in Germany.

Before last night encounter, Real had visited Munich nine times previously, without any victory to celebrate. They lost on eight occasion, while picking a draw just once.

Coach Jose Mourinho had said before last night that history would count for nothing when they clash, but it came to haunt them a minutes to full time as Mario Gomez bundled home a Philip Lahm low cross that evaded stranded Real Madrid defenders.

The goal gave Bayern something to defend in the return leg at the Bernabeu next week.

Bayern Munich, which is playing catch-up in the Bundesliga behind Borussia Dortmund had taken an early lead in the 16th minutes, when Frank Ribery’s low short just inside the box beat Iker Casillas.

After the goal, the Germans continued to dominate the visitors with Arjen Robben, Ribery, Gomez, Bastian Schweinstieger, Alaba and Muller as the outstanding performers.

Despite creating so many chances, the first half ended with the odd goal advantage.

On resumption of the second half, Bayern continued to pile on the pressure. But a swift counter attack in the 52nd minute saw Cristiano Ronaldo with a rare chance which he missed but had a second bite on the cherry to set up Mesut Ozil for the equalizer.

The game looked as if it was heading for a 1-1 draw until the twist in the tail that gave Bayern the advantage, going into the return match.

However, Real’s away goal indicates that the tie is far from being decided and leaves the second leg delicately poised.

Gabriel Nwanetanya & Isaac Nwankwo