Real Madrid 1-0 Bayern Munich - Five talking points

The battle of the European giants certainly lived up to its hype as Real Madrid edged out Bayern Munich 1-0 in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final at the Santiago Bernabeu. Having taken an early lead, the Spanish giants put up an inspiring defensive display to keep Bayern Munich at bay and will enter the second-leg on a high note.The timely return of Cristiano Ronaldo came as a pleasant surprise for manager Carlo Ancelotti, whod be hoping to have put one-foot into the final.Here are the five major talking points of the game.

#1 Counter Attack 1-0 Possession

Pep Guardiola paid the price yet again for playing a high-line defence against the most lethal counter-attacking side in Europe. Bayern enjoyed the lion’s share of possession (Real Madrid 35% - 65% Bayern Munich), constantly trying to find spaces in the final third only to be denied by the diligent defence of Real Madrid.

Karim Benzema’s goal in the 19th minute showed glimpses of the tactics deployed by former manager Jose Mourinho against Guardiola. However, the tactics worked largely in Carlo’s favour as it was another night which witnessed counter-attack emerging victorious against possession.

Bayern Munich legend Franz Beckenbaeur lashed out at Guardiola’s tactics in the first leg saying, "Possession doesn't mean anything when your opponents create the better chances. We are lucky they only scored one."