- The Guardian,
- Thursday May 4, 2000
Nicolas Anelka redeemed himself last night with a goal after four minutes to put Real Madrid on track with victory over Bayern Munich in the first leg of the European Champions League semi-final.
Before an 85,000 crowd at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, Anelka raced on to a long pass from Aitor Karanka and deftly curled the ball past Oliver Kahn. It was Anelka's first goal in the competition and his first since returning from a club suspension.
Real's coach Vicente del Bosque said: "I believe that with the team in their current form we can hold on to our advantage. We played very well in the first half and kept our discipline in the second. But we have to be realistic, it's not over yet."
Bayern had gone into the game having beaten Real twice so far in the tournament, 4-1 and 4-2. But the team that turned out last night, besides missing their key midfielder Stefan Effenberg, displayed lit tle of their famed composure and fitness. Their best effort in the first half was a long-range free-kick from Michael Tarnat.
Madrid's control paid dividends in the 33rd minute when their right-back Michel Salgado latched on to a through-ball, rounded Kahn and then saw the ball hit Jeremies' shin and roll into an empty net.
Real resumed control in the second period with Kahn forced to make a diving save from Fernando Morientes in the 49th minute. The players got involved in a pushing match in the 80th minute following fouls by Roberto Carlos and Steve McManaman. Kahn also ran out to remonstrate after which the crowd behind the goal hurled missiles at him. Real travel to Munich for the return leg next Tuesday.
Real Madrid: Casillas, Salgado, Carlos, Redondo, McManaman, Campo, Helguera, Karanka, Raul, Morientes (Savio, 61min), Anelka (Balic, 80).
Bayern Munich: Kahn, Babbel, Lizarazu, Scholl, Elber (Jancker, 78), Sergio, Jeremies, Fink, Tarnat (Weisinger, 47), Salihamidzic (Santa Cruz, 78), Linke. Referee : Anders Frisk (Sweden)
