Real Madrid storms Munich fortress

FOR once, Real Madrid didn’t need Cristiano Ronaldo to score.

After finding the net in every Champions League game this season, Ronaldo had to let others grab the spotlight as Real Madrid ended Bayern Munich’s unbeaten record at home this season with a 2-1 win in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

The Portuguese star did beat Bayern goalkeeper Sven Ulreich with a spectacular effort in the second half, but what would have been his 16th goal of the campaign was ruled out for using his arm to control the ball.

Instead, Madrid relied on Marcelo and halftime substitute Marco Asensio to produce a comeback after Bayern had gone in front through Joshua Kimmich.

Marcelo equalised before the interval against the run of play and Asensio claimed a second away goal for Madrid 12 minutes into the second half.

The result puts the defending champions in a favourable position before the second leg in Madrid next week, though Real will be wary after conceding three goals at home to Juventus in the previous round.