Real snatch comeback win at Bayern

Holder Real Madrid came from a goal down to snatch a precious 2-1 victory at wasteful Bayern Munich Wednesday and carry a considerable advantage into their Champions League semi-final second leg in Spain. Real, eyeing a third straight title, needed a 44th-minute equaliser by Marcelo against the run of play to cancel out Joshua Kimmich's opener after Bayern, chasing three trophies this season, had missed a hatful of chances. A quick break allowed Real substitute Marco Asensio to beat Sven Ulreich with a fine effort and grab the winner in the 57th minute. There was more bad news for Bayern with Germany defender Jerome Boateng suffering a suspected adductor muscle injury that could rule him out for the final part of the season and the World Cup.

Congratulations Real Madrid - the first team to record 150 #UCL victories! ?? pic.twitter.com/3STun5GvH3

— Goal (@goal) April 25, 2018

The result was identical to last year's quarter-final first leg between the teams before Real won the return game as well on the way to the first successful Champions League title defence. Liverpool crushed AS Roma 5-2 in the other semi-final first leg Tuesday at Anfield. Bayern, who had lost only one of their last 22 home games in the competition, had only themselves to blame and were punished for their profligacy. They almost scored after 25s when Real defender Dani Carvajal failed to clear properly in a furious and physical start to the match.

Real Madrid have won 32 of the 33 games across all competitions in which Marcelo has scored for the club.

✊ pic.twitter.com/MmDDHQTpgb — Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 25, 2018

The host's game plan seemed to go out the window after eight minutes with speedy winger Arjen Robben was forced off with an ankle injury. They were undeterred by Real's early tight pressing game, however, taking the lead when Kimmich slotted home after a superb through ball from former Real player James Rodriguez. The Bavarians should have scored again even after another setback when Boateng went off with a thigh muscle injury, with chances falling to Franck Ribery, Mats Hummels and Thomas Mueller. But it was Real who struck against the run of play with a low drive from Marcelo a minute before the break as the Brazilian full back added to his goals against Paris St Germain and Juventus in previous rounds.

3 - Marco Asensio's last three Champions League goals have all been as a substitute in knockout matches. Impact. pic.twitter.com/e79V9vdpVb

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 25, 2018

The Spanish side, who have had a disappointing domestic campaign, then caught the Germans napping after a defensive blunder as Asensio raced clear to score their second goal. Bayern struggled to recover from the blow and despite having nearly 60% of possession they could not find an equaliser. The defeat snapped Heynckes's 12-game winning streak in the competition stretching back to 2013. RESULT Bayern 1 (Kimmich 28) Real Madrid 2 (Marcelo 44, Asensio 57)