Berlin (DPA): Bayern Munich could not capitalize on an early goal for a 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first legs of the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday while Luis Suarez scored twice as title-holders Barcelona came from behind to beat 10-man Atletico Madrid 2-1.
German champions Bayern took a second-minute lead against Benfica when Arturo Vidal headed in after Juan Bernat had space to cross from the left.
Thomas Mueller came close to a second in the 20th minute but his side-foot volley from a Thiago Alcantara chip into the box was saved by keeper Ederson.
Vidal had another opportunity when he was found by Mueller crossing from the right, only for his header in front of goal to bounce down and over the bar.
Manuel Neuer in goal came to the rescue for Bayern when Brazilian striker Jonas turned David Alaba only to be foiled by the keeper in the 57th minute. Jonas then picked up a yellow card which means he is suspended for next week’s return leg.
Bayern continued to dominate possession after the break and should have made it two in the last minute when Vidal fed Robert Lewandowski, but the Poland striker, with only the keeper to beat, tried to square the ball to Philipp Lahm but the bass went astray.
“It was just like in Frankfurt (a 1-0 win in the Bundesliga) last weekend,” Neuer said.
“We only had a few good chances, Benfica’s defence did a good job. In the end we were unable to score a second goal, but sometimes a 1-0 has to be enough.”
In the second match, Uruguay striker Luis Suarez kept Barcelona in the Champions League with his 44th and 45th goals of the season after Fernando Torres had scored.
Today, Bundesliga side Wolfsburg take on 10-time European champions Real Madrid, while Paris Saint-Germain entertain Manchester City.
