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Bayern holds upper hand after 1-1 draw at United

Updated: 2014-04-02 11:46 (Agencies)
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Bayern holds upper hand after 1-1 draw at United

Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic (R) scores a goal against Bayern Munich during their Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, April 1, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

Bayern success

Bayern had won their last four matches on English soil in the last 13 months, including two wins at Arsenal, a victory at Manchester City and success in last season's Champions League final when they beat Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.

After a scare when United's Danny Welbeck saw a goal ruled out after five minutes for raising his foot too high, Bayern looked capable of extending that winning run, and taking their overall Champions League away record to eight successive wins.

They established a grip on the game, creating seven scoring chances in the opening 35 minutes, as defenders David Alaba and Rafinha poured forward to support the attack and they looked sharper to the ball than the home side.

But, for once, the German side, who had scored in their last 60 matches in all competitions, appeared to have lost their cutting edge in front of goal.

The best of those first-half efforts came after 31 minutes when winger Arjen Robben was allowed too much space and De Gea had to dive full length to beat away his inswinging shot.

Despite being overrun by Bayern's attacking momentum, United had the best chance before the break when Rooney found fellow England striker Welbeck with a low through ball after 40 minutes which Bayern defender Jerome Boateng attempted to block but fell over instead.

That allowed Welbeck time and space to beat Neuer but his weak chip gave the keeper the chance to paw the ball safely away.

Ryan Giggs, making his 141st Champions League appearance, one short of Raul's record, suffered a groin injury and had to be replaced by Shinji Kagawa at halftime.

The enterprising Japanese midfielder, who never lost to Bayern when he was at Dortmund, caused the visitors plenty of problems with some intelligent runs and passes.

From one of them United won a corner which Rooney swept into the box. The ball went slightly behind the incoming but unmarked Vidic who turned his head to nod past Neuer for his first goal in Europe for more than five years.

United only led for nine minutes though before Schweinsteiger replied.

Dutchman Robben came close to a late goal for Bayern but, despite only drawing, the tie is balanced in their favour before as they prepare for the return in Germany next week without Schweinsteiger and Martinez.

Bayern holds upper hand after 1-1 draw at United

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