May 1 (UPI) — Real Madrid tied Bayern Munich 2-2 in the second leg of the Champions League semifinals, but advanced on aggregate goals Tuesday in Madrid.
The La Liga power beat Bayern 2-1 on April 25 in Munich, Germany. Forward Karim Benzema scored twice in Tuesday’s tie at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
But Bayern was first to the scoring column. The Bundesliga squad went up 1-0 in the third minute. Bayern forward Thomas Muller sent in a cross from the right side of the box. Madrid defender Sergio Ramos knocked down the feed, but the ball bounced down to Joshua Kimmich, who buried a shot past Keylor Navas.
Benzema scored his first goal in the 11th minute. Brazilian defender Marcelo created space on the left side of the box on that play, before sending a cross toward the far post. Benzema was there to finish the feed, heading it past Sven Ulreich to tie the score.
Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez missed a huge chance in the 33rd minute, sending a rebound over the Madrid goal while standing at point-blank range.
Benzema gave Madrid another advantage in the 46th minute. Bayern committed a huge mistake on that play, just 20 seconds into the second half.
Bayern midfielder Corentin Tolisso sent a pass back to Ulreich on the play, making a terrible decision to send the feed while surrounded by Madrid players. Ulreich came out to collect the ball, but completely missed. Benzema ran around the keeper and put in an easy goal.
James made up for his earlier mistake in the 63rd minute, cutting into Madrid’s lead. The star midfielder received a feed into the box from Niklas Sule on that play. His first attempt at the Madrid goal was deflected by a defender. The ball then bounced back out to James, who ran toward the goal and shot it through Navas’ legs.
Madrid awaits its final opponent, which will be decided Wednesday when AS Roma battles Liverpool. Los Blancos are looking to win the Champions League for a third consecutive year.
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