Real Madrid 2 Bayern Munich 0

Real Madrid seized control of their Champions League semi final at the Bernabeu stadium and partially avenged two four goal defeats by Bayern Munich in the second group stage of the tournament.

Nicolas Anelka set up Real's perforamcne with an early breakthrough.

The finish to the 4th minute move that saw the French striker move onto a slide rule pass forward banished all thoughts of the 20 year old's previous disciplinary problems with the club this season.

Despite a large hint of offside for Anelka and Fernando Morientes when Real's record signing ran to collect the ball on the left side of the penalty area he controlled the pass and cut inside a defender to lift the ball over the advancing Oliver Kahn into the roof of the net.

Anelka almost set up an 18th minute goal for Raul when he cut the ball back into his path in the goal mouth but Bayern cleared the chance.

The Bundesliga champions offered little in attack during the first session although they looked comfortable until the second goal went in.

A measured passing movement culminated in Raul releasing right back Salgado in front of goal and Jens Jeremies tried to head off his run to an empty net and scuffed the ball over the line in the 33rd minute.

A weak header and snap shot from Elber were all the German team offered in response and Fernando Morientes had a goal ruled out for offside in the 21st minute.

Ivan Campo dealt with Bayern's attacking ideas but the Germans managed to stem the home team's attacks in a quieter second half.

Oliver Kahn dived well at the feet of Morientes to prevent a 49th minute shot on target and the goalkeeper beat away a left foot drive in the 73rd minute from substitute Savio.

Real managed to create little other than these two shots but Bayern were content to contain the Spanish side after the concession of the two first half goals and did not send midfielders forward to support an attack starved of decent service.

The Spaniards have never won in Germany in 13 attempts but they do not need to after this win. Any draw will be good enough for Real but Bayern were comfortable for much of the second half and refused to cave in. They will chase goals at home and almost snatched a vital away strike when Fink reached a corner but his 86th minute header rose just wide.

Real will need to alter their defence for the trip to Munich with Salgado and Karanka both suspended for the second leg next week.

A 2-0 score is not great for Bayern but not the disaster it could have been after the first half hour. In truth Real let this game drift away from them and it could still cost the Spaniards a place in the Paris final on May 24th.