Bayern Munich 2–1 Real Madrid Champions League Match Report

A late winner from Mario Gomez denies Real Madrid of an advantage going into the second leg at the Bernebaeu next week, but also leaves warning signs for Jose Mourinho whose caution was the undoing of Real Madrid. It was a lively affair as billed, the wealth of attacking talent on display meant neither defences rested easy but even less so in the white half, as the Madrid back line, which has looked shaky this season, looked panicky against a quick attacking Bayern side who showed plenty of attacking ambition. It was an early breakthrough for Bayern, who took the lead through talented footballer, deep sea diving enthusiast, referee botherer and general abomination of a footballer Franck Ribery who, after failing to win a penalty for a blatant dive, rocketed in the ball from 6 yards out from a poorly dealt with corner. Bayern continued to be the main threat during the first half, but the Madrid defence, ironically, looked more assured after going one nil down and the Bayern defence who had been so composed easily repelled any Real Madrid attack in the first half. Madrid did level proceedings early in the second half though, a Benzema inspired break away had Ronaldo through on goal, although he could only hit a lame shot at Neuer who parried, but straight back to Benzema on the edge of the box who slid the ball across the face of goal to Ronaldo to dink back in to the 6 yard box for Ozil to finish off a comfortable goal, and very confusing sequence of events. This however turned in to the undoing of Madrid, as Mourinho seemed content to take the away goal draw into the second leg and thus sent on Marcelo to replace Ozil and Granero to replace Di Maria. However lack of attacking adventure invited more pressure on to the ropey Madrid back line and Mario Gomez had a few chances to make the game 2-1 before he inevitably did. Clever work by Lahm on the right side outdid Coentrao, who had been impressive all match, and his low drive in to the box allowed Gomez to slide in and make it 2-1 in the 89th minute, leaving Madrid with more of a mountain to climb in the second leg. Marcelo threatened to do his patented act of childish petulance by hacking out at Muller at the end, yet Howard Webb, who was very impressive, saw fit to only give him a yellow, sparing a very ugly end to an entertaining match of football. Man Of The Match: Badstuber (Bayern Munich) Young centre back was very assured and helped to repel the advances of one of the most potent attacking line ups in history. Brilliant.