Evening all! Our Champions League coverage on Sports Mole continues from the Spanish capital as Real Madrid welcome Bayern Munich for the first leg of their semi-final. Los Blancos are chasing a 10th European Cup this season, but the German outfit will hope to become the first team since AC Milan in 1990 to successfully defend the Champions League. It promises to be a truly fascinating affair at the Bernabeu.

TEAMS:

MADRID: Casillas; Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao; Modric, Alonso, Isco; Di Maria, Benzema, Ronaldo

BAYERN: Neuer; Rafinha, Boateng, Dante, Alaba; Kroos, Lahm, Schweinsteiger; Robben, Mandzukic, Ribery

So there we have it. Gareth Bale's illness means that the Welshman is only on the bench for the home side this evening, but Cristiano Ronaldo does return to the XI following a knee injury. There is also a spot in midfield for Isco. Bayern, meanwhile, leave Thomas Muller, Martio Gotze and Javi Martinez on the bench. Rafinha starts at right-back, meaning that Phillip Lahm is once more deployed in central midfield.

El Bernabéu quiere vivir otra noche mágica de Champions http://t.co/lI44mmg3CE #RealMadridBayern #halamadrid pic.twitter.com/VKBKomQlQK — Real Madrid C. F. (@realmadrid) April 23, 2014

One thing is for certain – Madrid will not be short of motivation this evening. The two sides met at this stage of the competition in the 2011/12 campaign and it was Bayern that progressed on penalties after both teams had won their respective home legs 2-1. However, much has changed at both clubs since then.

Bernabeu in shade as sun goes down pic.twitter.com/waw53YvDhS — Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) April 23, 2014

In total, the two sides have met five times in the semi-finals of the competition, with Bayern winning four – 1976, 1987, 2001 and 2012 – and Madrid winning just once in 2000. The Spanish outfit have not won Europe's premier competition since 2002, but head coach Carlo Ancelotti has been tasked with securing a famous 10th crown this time around. Just a reminder that kickoff this evening is in little over 45 minutes time.

Bayern have also dominated the overall clashes between the two teams in European competition, with the German outfit winning 11 of the 20 matches between the pair, losing just seven times in the process. However, Madrid's home record against Bayern is strong having won seven, drawn one and lost just twice.

What's more, Bayern have not won at the Bernabeu since 2001, when Giovane Elber scored the only goal of the match. Each of the last four meetings in Spain have ended in Madrid wins, while Los Blancos also overcame Bayern in the quarter-finals on route to winning the competition in 2002. The omens are good!

All seven of Bayern Munich's goals in this season's knockout stages of the Champions League have been scored from the 54th minute onwards.

— Betfair Exchange (@BetfairSports) April 23, 2014

Madrid also enter the match off the back of a 17-match unbeaten run in Champions League matches at the Bernabeu. The last time they lost a European match in this stadium was against Pep Guardiola's Barcelona team, who picked up a 2-0 success. Since then, Madrid have won 15 of their 17 home matches.

Madrid's overall record against German visitors is strong, meanwhile, with 20 wins, four draws and just two defeats. They have also won 13 of their two-legged knockout ties against Bundesliga opposition, but have been defeated eight times in the process. That said, the last time Madrid lifted this competition – in 2002 – they beat Bundesliga opponents in the shape of Bayer Leverkusen in the final.

Overall, this is Madrid's 25th European Cup semi-final. Thus far, they have lost 12 and won 12 of their matches at this stage of the competition. In 2011, they were beaten at this stage by Barcelona, before Bayern beat them in the 2012 campaign. Last season, they were defeated by an impressive Dortmund side, who eventually lost 2-1 to Bundesliga rivals Bayern in the final at Wembley in London.

The Spanish outfit have already beaten two German teams on their way to the semi-finals, meanwhile, overcoming Schalke 04 in the first knockout stage before beating Dortmund 3-2 on aggregate in the quarter-finals despite losing the second leg 2-0 in Germany. In the group stages of the competition, Carlo Ancelotti's side comfortably topped a section that included Galatasaray, Juventus and Copenhagen.

I suspect tonight's Champions League semi will be a proper game of football. 2 teams with one thing in mind; to attack!

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) April 23, 2014

Madrid were also given the weekend off by La Liga to prepare for this particular match. As it stands, they sit third in the Spanish table, six points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, but with a game in hand. Los Blancos also picked up their first major silverware of the season last week with a 2-1 win over Barcelona, courtesy of a late strike from Bale, who starts on the bench this evening due to illness.

It would not be right to speak of this match without mentioning Ronaldo. The Portuguese has scored 14 times in eight Champions League games this season, with that tally equalling Lionel Messi's haul in the 2011/12 campaign. Overall, he has registered 49 times in his last 48 matches in this competition. Just stunning.

This is how @Cristiano & Ribéry compare in the #UCL this term. Who will come out on top later? http://t.co/30GDVHJtk9 pic.twitter.com/3xLErQ1CVU

— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 23, 2014

Bayern, meanwhile, wrapped up the Bundesliga title some weeks ago. Their form has dipped in recent weeks, however, with league defeats to Augsburg and Dortmund, the latter of who won 3-0 at the Allianz Arena. The German outfit were also far from their best in the quarter-finals against Manchester United.

Beide Mannschaften sind auf dem Platz. In 30 Minuten geht's los! #RMAFCB #packmas pic.twitter.com/w3EN5oV1gI — FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) April 23, 2014

That said, Bayern are unbeaten in their last ten away games in the competition, with that run stretching back to October 2012. Bayern's record against Spanish opponents in two-legged affairs is also quite strong with nine wins and six defeats. Last season on their way to winning the competition they beat Barcelona 7-0 on aggregate, including a stunning 4-0 win in Spain. Surely they cannot repeat that scoreline this evening?

The German outfit will contest their 16th European Cup semi-final this season, with their record standing at 10 wins and five defeats at this particular stage. They overcame Madrid in 2012 before losing to Chelsea in the final and as mentioned, beat Barcelona last season to book their spot at Wembley. That said, Bayern did lose the 2009/10 final to Inter Milan at the Bernabeu. The confirmed squads for this evening...

#rmcf v #fcbayern teamsheet pic.twitter.com/WgEVMVGC55 — Henry Winter (@henrywinter) April 23, 2014

In terms of Bayern's progress to this particular stage of the competition, the German outfit topped Group D, which included Manchester City, Viktoria Plzen and CSKA Moscow, before facing Arsenal in the last-16 stage. They overcame the Gunners with an aggregate score of 3-1, before beating more Premier League opposition in the shape of Manchester United in the previous round courtesy of a 3-1 victory at the Allianz Arena.

This evening will also be a special night for Bayern boss Pep Guardiola, who makes his return to Spain. While in charge of Barcelona, he faced Madrid on 15 occasions, winning nine times and losing just twice. In the league, Guardiola's record against the capital outfit was extremely strong, losing just one of the eight meetings, while the Spaniard also lost just three times against Madrid as a player. Impressive.

PREDICTION: Whatever the score at the Bernabeu, let's just hope that it is a wonderful occasion. Last night's semi-final between Atletico Madrid and Chelsea never really got going in truth, but I don't expect that to be the case this evening. Bale's absence from the XI is a blow for Madrid, but I think the home side have enough about them to secure a 2-1 first-leg victory, which would certainly set things up nicely for the reverse clash next week in Germany. Little over five minutes until kickoff.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the first period. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium as the famous Champions League tune blasts around the Bernabeu. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital tonight.

Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening, with the second leg to come in Germany next week. Bayern will want an away goal, but Madrid will feel that they can also score in the reverse clash at the Allianz Arena. It is the away side that get the first 45 minutes of action underway in the capital.

Possession football from Bayern in the opening couple of minutes with the likes of Dante and Boateng enjoying touches inside their own half. Alaba drives down the left moments later before finding Ribery, but it moves out of play for a goal kick. Positive start from the visitors, who have pressed well thus far.

Di Maria finds some space down the right for Madrid before attempting to drive a cross into the box, but Alaba is across to make the block. Almost deafening noise inside the stadium at the moment as both sides just attempt to settle into proceedings. No serious attack for either thus far, but the early signs are strong.

It's bright work from Ribery as the Bayern winger finds some space down the right before switching possession to Robben, but Coentrao is across to make the challenge. Kroos delivers the resulting corner towards the six-yard box, but Pepe is on hand to clear the danger. Bayern have made the more confident start in Madrid.

Bayern threaten in behind once more as Robben collects a pass from Kroos, but the Dutchman is found in an offside position. Not too much in terms of chances thus far, but Madrid just cannot keep the ball. It is incredible authority from Bayern as they continue to boss the possession. Ribery delivers towards the far post following bright work down the right, but there are no takers and Madrid have a throw-in.

Whistles around the Bernabeu as Modric is penalised for a foul on Kroos, who has been the star of the show in the opening 10 minutes in terms of touches of the ball. In truth, there is no real tempo to the match at the moment as Bayern continue to keep the ball. Robben dances past Isco, but Coentrao is across to clear.

Another corner for Bayern as Ramos wins the aerial battle with Mandzukic. The resulting set piece is delivered towards the far post, but Mandzukic's header is cleared. Madrid just cannot get out of their own half at the moment, which is quite incredible. It has been utterly one-sided as Bayern continue to dominate.

CHANCE! Brilliant work from Robben as the Bayern winger turns on the edge of the box before striking towards goal, but his effort whistles wide of the post. First real sight of goal for Bayern.

Another half-chance for the away side as Schweinsteiger meets a corner from Kroos, but his header is straight into the arms of Casillas. Moments later, Bayern are on the attack once more down the left with Alaba.

Madrid have a sight of goal as Modric rolls a low pass towards Benzema, but the Frenchman had been in an offside position. Much better from Los Blancos, who have seen more of the ball in the last couple of minutes. The early exchanges have absolutely flown past, but clear chances have been at a premium in Madrid.

Madrid strike first at the Bernabeu as Benzema converts from close range following a low cross from Coentrao. They have not had the ball for long periods, but the home side lead in Spain!

CHANCE! Another chance for the home side as Di Maria finds the head of Ronaldo inside the Bayern box, but his header is straight into the arms of Neuer. Suddenly it is all one-way traffic!

Bayern are down the right once more with Ribery, but his cross is cleared by Carvajal. Bayern have just gained a period of control in terms of possession, but Madrid continue to threaten on the counter. Little over 20 minutes of the first half remaining and Benzema's goal is the difference at the Bernabeu.

Another half-chance for the home side as Di Maria finds some space outside the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of Neuer. The match has developed into a pattern - Bayern dominating the ball, but Madrid threatening on the counter. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals this evening.

CHANCE! Incredible chance for the home side as Benzema drives a low cross into the box onto the foot of Ronaldo, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. What a miss from the Portuguese.

More frustration for Bayern as Rafinha is found in an offside position following a smart pass from Robben. The chances are falling to Los Blancos despite the fact that the German side are dominating the ball. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining. It has been a fascinating tactical affair thus far.

Bayern once more threaten from a wide area as Ribery finds the head of Mandzukic inside the box, but Pepe just does enough to make the challenge. More possession from the German side outside the Madrid box, but once more it breaks down before Benzema breaks, but the Frenchman is penalised for a pull on Kroos.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments as Bayern continue to boss possession, but Madrid have defended well thus far. Robben and Ribery continue to look the most likely, but Mandzukic has been isolated in the middle. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining in Madrid.

Bayern have had 75% of the ball thus far, but trail to that Benzema strike. Robben takes matters into his own hands for the away side, but his final effort is high and wide of the target. Robben is involved moments later outside the Madrid box, but Alaba is just challenged by Ramos at the final moment. Better football.

CHANCE! It is Robben again for Bayern, but his effort is blocked by Ramos following bright work from Lahm down the left. Another half-chance arrives following a cross from Ribery, but Pepe clears. Madrid just cannot get out, however, as the pressure continues to grow. One-way traffic from Bayern.

Another half-chance for the away side as Rafinha finds Lahm inside the Madrid box, but the German can only fire into the side netting from close range. Ronaldo tries to gesture his side forward, but the Spanish side are really struggling to keep the ball. That said, they still lead courtesy of that Benzema strike.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Madrid as Di Maria finds some space all alone inside the Bayern box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Another incredible miss from the Argentine.

Pepe hits the deck following a late challenge from Kroos, but returns to his feet moments later. It is poor from the Madrid centre-back, who forced Lahm to play possession out for a throw. Brilliant sportsmanship.

Half-chance for Madrid on the counter as Carvajal drives into the Bayern half before finding Ronaldo, but his effort is deflected over the crossbar by Dante. The chances have arrived for Los Blancos this half.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Madrid leading 1-0 courtesy of a close-range finish from Benzema after 19 minutes. Bayern have dominated the ball, but the better chances have fallen to the home side, who are playing the perfect counter-attacking game at the Bernabeu.

STATISTICS: Bayern have dominated the possession with 74% and while they have had nine attempts, Casillas has not really been troubled thus far. Madrid, meanwhile, have had five attempts, including golden chances for Ronaldo and Di Maria. There has not been a single card issued by referee Howard Webb, meanwhile, with late challenges few and far between in the first 45 minutes in the capital.

BENCH WATCH: The home side have two obvious attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Bale and Morata. Meanwhile, Bayern have the likes of Muller, Pizarro and Gotze in reserve. One thing is for certain - both managers have the tools to influence proceedings from the sidelines.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Bayern make the breakthrough? Or will Madrid soak up the threat and find a second on the counter? It is a fascinating tactical battle at the Bernabeu that is for certain. The home side get the second 45 minutes underway.

Leaping chest bump. pic.twitter.com/bALuTpgPFB — AS English (@English_AS) April 23, 2014

No changes for either side at the interval, which is not too surprising at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that both managers will consider alterations if the score remains 1-0 for the next 20 minutes or so. Early possession for Madrid as Isco drives down the left, but Dante is across to clear.

> Ancelotti leading 1-0 at HT (at home): 248 wins, 21 draws, 2 losses > Guardiola trailing 1-0 at HT (away): 9 wins, 7 draws, 6 losses — MisterChip (English) (@MisterChiping) April 23, 2014

Half-chance for Madrid as Ronaldo finds some space inside the Bayern box before firing one towards the bottom corner, but Neuer is on hand to make the save. Moments later, Pepe hits the deck once more.

Not too much in terms of clear chances in the last couple of minutes, but Madrid are seeing more of the ball. Bayern attempt to break on the right with Ribery, who cuts inside before finding Kroos, but Modric is across to clear the danger. You just get the feeling that there are more goals in this semi-final first leg.

Just a reminder that the second leg will take place at the Allianz Arena next week. Bayern will want to take an away goal into that match, but Madrid continue to deal with the threat. Carvajal hits the deck moments later as another stoppage occurs, much to the frustration of the Bayern players, not for the first time.

Half-chance for Bayern as Ribery threatens to meet a header from Mandzukic, but Pepe is across to clear at the vital moment. Robben drives down the left moments later, but Coentrao clears for a corner as Madrid continue to defend their own box. Little under 35 minutes of football remaining at the Bernabeu.

We are getting to the stage of the match where both managers will be thinking about changes. Bale has started to warm-up for the home side, while Muller is sent out for Bayern. Not too much to report in terms of attacking football in the last couple of moments as both sides continue to relinquish possession.

BOOKING! The first booking of the match is handed to Madrid midfielder Isco for handball.

Half-chance for Bayern as Kroos finds some room outside the Madrid box before striking one towards goal, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. It has been a frustrating second period for Bayern thus far.

Bayern have a free kick in a wide area as Coentrao brings Robben to the ground with a clumsy challenge. The resulting set piece is delivered by Kroos, but Alonso is on hand to clear with a towering header. Good pressure from Bayern once more, but Madrid have been so impressive in defence areas this evening.

Robben once more takes matters into his own hands following a mazy run, but his effort is straight into the arms of Casillas. Madrid break down the other end with Ronaldo, but once more Lahm is across to clear. Little over 25 minutes of this first leg remaining. Still Bayern cannot make the breakthrough in the capital.

A loose clearance from Neuer hands a half-chance to Madrid following a deep cross from Isco, but Boateng is on hand to clear under pressure from Benzema. Poor possession from the German outfit in the last couple of minutes as Madrid enjoy a period with the ball. Carlo Ancelotti's side are comfortable as it stands.

SUB! Bayern make their first change of the match as Javi Martinez enters the field in place of Rafinha, which means that Lahm will revert to right-back. Little over 20 minutes remaining.

Another attack breaks down for Bayern as Mandzukic fails to collect a pass from Kroos. Moments later, Ronaldo is down the other end for Madrid, but his low effort is saved by Neuer. End-to-end football in Madrid.

Ramos and Pepe both hit the deck for Madrid following a powerful punch from Casillas under pressure from the away side. Plenty of crosses from Bayern, but clear chances have been at a premium. Lahm combines with Robben moments later before crossing towards Dante, but his header is cleared by Carvajal.

SUB! Bayern make their second change of the match as Gotze replaces Ribery.

SUB! Real Madrid make their first change of the match as Varane replaces the injured Pepe, who appears to have a hamstring complaint.

SUB! Madrid make their second change moments later as Bale replaces Ronaldo, who is clearly not fully fit this evening following a period on the sidelines.

SUB! A real period of change as Muller enters the field in place of Schweinsteiger. That is all three changes for Bayern with little over 15 minutes of football remaining in Madrid.

Half-chance for Isco as the Madrid midfielder finds some space inside the Bayern box following a cross from Di Maria, but the Spaniard just loses control at the vital moment and the danger is cleared. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of moments following that influx of changes.

Isco has another sight of goal just outside the Bayern box, but the Spaniard instead decides to clip a cross towards Di Maria and it runs away from the Argentine at the final moment. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Robben carries possession into the Madrid half, but once more the attack breaks down.

In truth, not too much is happening at the moment as Bayern continue to concede possession in the final third. Meanwhile, it appears that Madrid are preparing to make their third and final change of the evening, with Illarramendi due to be introduced to provide some protection. Little over 10 minutes remaining.

CHANCE! Clear sight of goal for Bayern as Muller finds some space outside the box, but his effort is deflected wide of the post by Varane. Brilliant piece of defending from the Frenchman.

SUB! The home side make their third and final change as Illarramendi replaces Isco, who has struggled to influence proceedings this evening. Both managers have now made all three changes.

Bale threatens for the home side as he drives down the left before firing a cross towards the near post, but Dante is across to clear under pressure from Benzema. The resulting corner is played short to Di Maria, but Boateng rises above Ramos to clear at the vital moment. Little over five minutes of football remaining.

CHANCE! Incredible chance for Bayern as Gotze finds some space inside a crowded Madrid box, but his effort is straight at Casillas, who makes the save. What an opening for the German outfit.

Bayern continue to deliver deep crosses into the Madrid box, but Varane is on hand to clear with a powerful header. Madrid cannot keep the ball at the moment as they continue to drop deeper and deeper, but their clean sheet is still in tact. You just get the feeling that there is another big chance left in this match.

Half-chance for Bale as the Welshman drives past Dante before cutting into the Bayern box and striking towards goal, but he smashes the side netting. Little over one minute of normal time remaining in Madrid.

The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes and we are indeed into the first of those. Can Bayern force an all-important away goal? Madrid will be very happy with this result.

Half-chance for the home side as Di Maria rolls a low cross into the box towards Benzema, the Frenchman lets it run through his legs towards Alonso, but Dante is across to clear. Bayern are down the other end moments later and want a penalty as Muller goes down under a challenge from Ramos, but the referee shakes his head.

So there we have it. Howard Webb brings the match to a close with Madrid winning 1-0 on the night thanks to a strike from Benzema. The two sides will meet again next Tuesday in the second leg - be sure to join us for that. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!