Real Madrid 1 - Bayern Munich 0: Germans' possession counts for nought as Benzema pounceS #CarryGobySeanKellz #FutureGroupNG via @i_amreginaldjr

REAL MADRID took a step towards the Champions League final by beating Bayern Munich 1-0 in the first leg of the semi-final at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.

Karim Benzema handed Real Madrid the advantage[GETTY]

The visitors had almost two-thirds of the possession throughout the game but looked susceptible on the break and paid the price when Karim Benzema put Real in front in the 19th minute.
Indeed with Philip Lahm playing in midfield rather than his normal full-back position Real frequently got free out wide and could have scored three or four in the opening half hour.
The German side probed throughout the match but couldn't get the better of the outstanding Sergio Ramos and Pepe at the heart of Real's defence.
When the pair did eventually let Mario Gotze have a sight of goal in the dying minutes Iker Casillas showed he is still a top-class keeper by making a fine save to preserve the hosts' lead.
The result means that Bayern will have to do more than simply keep possession in the return leg next week if they are to defend their title.