Champions League

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Apr 23, 2013 at 7.45pm UK

Bayern Bayern Munich
4-0
Barcelona

Muller, Gomez, Robben

Half-Time Report: Thomas Muller heads Bayern Munich in front against Barcelona

By Pascal Lemesre, Football League Editor | 23 April 2013

Thomas Muller stoops low to head Bayern Munich into the lead against Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie.

Thomas Muller's header has given Bayern Munich 1-0 half-time lead over Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie.

Bayern's Thomas Muller celebrates scoring against FC Barcelona during the Champions League semi final first leg on April 23, 2013 © AP Photos

The hosts had the first opportunity in the fourth minute when Javi Martinez beat the offside trap and found Arjen Robben. The Dutchman's angle was tight and his toe-poke was saved by the legs of Victor Valdes.

Bayern then wanted a penalty in the 18th minute when Philipp Lahm's 25-yard shot struck the elbow of Gerard Pique, but Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai wasn't interested.

The deadlock was broken seven minutes later when Arjen Robben's arcing cross was met by Dante, who beat Daniel Alves in the air to head across goal for Thomas Muller to stoop low and nod it over the line.

Barca came close to equaliser minutes later when Pedro's low cross was turned just wide by Dante, with Lionel Messi waiting to pounce just behind.

As the half came to a close, neither keeper was again tested but Bayern forward Mario Gomez and Barca's young defender Marc Bartra were both cautioned.