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Real Madrid struck early and comfortably held Bayern Munich at bay to beat the holders 1-0 on Wednesday night and move a step closer to a first Champions League final in 12 years.
Chasing a record-extending 10th European crown, Real were content to cede possession to the slick Bundesliga champions in the semifinal first leg and created much the better chances with a series of trademark counter attacks.
The victory set Real up for next Tuesday's return leg in Munich when they will be looking to avenge a reverse to Bayern at the same stage in the 2011-12 edition.
In the other semi-final first leg, Chelsea were content to settle for a 0-0 draw against Atletico Madrid in the Spanish capital ahead of next week's return leg at Stamford Bridge.
And in Absa Premiership action on Wednesday, Mamelodi Sundowns moved a step closer to claiming the Absa Premiership title, as Kaizer Chiefs were held to a goalless draw against Bidvest Wits in Johannesburg.
Trailing the log leaders by six points heading into the tie, Chiefs needed all three points to keep the pressure on the Brazilians, who now lead the defending league champions by five points, having played a game more than the chasing Amakhosi.
Gavin Hunt's men, however, managed to throw a spanner in the works for Chiefs, who now face the prospect of being unable to catch Sundowns, even if the Soweto side win their remaining three encounters.
The result kept the chase for Premiership honours on course for a nail-biting finish, with the winner seemingly to be decided on the last day of the season.
Elsewhere on Wednesday, Golden Arrows registered back-to-back victories, when they defeated SuperSport United 1-0 at the Princess Magogo Stadium.
Bongi Ntuli scored the only goal of the match midway through the second half, as his side moved within three points of 15th placed Free State Stars.
The victory moved the hosts on to 21 points on the table, with two games remaining.
