Real Madrid took a step towards their first Champions League final since Hampden Park in 2002 thanks to Karim Benzema's first-half goal which gave them a 1-0 win over Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu.

Carlo Ancelotti's side must yet survive another 90 minutes against the European champions, but head to the semi-final second-leg in Munich with the advantage of not conceding an away goal.

The visitors dominated possession but could not break down a sturdy Madrid side, who looked far more dangerous than the Germans when they attacked.

Los Blancos will be frustrated they were not able to add to Benzema's 19th minute tap-in, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria spurning great chances.

Pep Guardiola's side enjoyed 85% of possession in the opening 20 minutes, but Madrid managed just fine without the ball, limiting their opponents to a shot by Arjen Robben that was deflected wide, and a soft effort by Bastian Schweinsteiger which Iker Casillas saved comfortably.

Madrid had barely set foot in Bayern's area up until then but took the lead with their first attack. The Germans lost possession in Madrid's half and Ronaldo quickly released Fabio Coentrao down the left.

The defender pulled the ball across goal for Benzema to slam home from four yards out.

Gareth Bale caused Bayern problems after replacing Ronaldo - who did not look fully recovered from fitness issues - but the Welshman sent his only chance into the side-netting.

Real were hanging on at the end and survived penalty appeals when Thomas Muller went down in the area. But English referee Howard Webb was unimpressed.

The Spanish giants now head to the Allianz Arena next Tuesday with a slender lead.