Real Madrid moved a step closer to their first Champions League final appearance in 12 years after Karim Benzema gave the record nine-times winners a 1-0 win at home to holders Bayern Munich.
Bayern dominated possession in the semi-final, first leg at the Bernabeu without posing much of a threat to the home goal and Benzema's 19th-minute effort means Real will have the advantage going into next week's return in Munich.
It was a losing return to Spain for Bayern coach Pep Guardiola, who mostly got the better of Real in four trophy-laden seasons in charge of their arch rivals Barcelona between 2008 and 2012.
With decorated Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti in his first season, Real have high hopes they can finally claim the elusive 10th European crown they have been chasing since their last triumph in 2002.
