Bayern Munich appeared to implode Wednesday night after striking first against Real Madrid.
Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was key to keeping Wednesday's game close as the hosts played the final 30 minutes with 10 men following the sending off of Javi Martinez with consecutive yellow cards.
Asensio made a telling contribution in Bale's stead, setting up Cristiano Ronaldo for his second goal that ensured the success. "People who love Cristiano never have any doubts. You'd have to tell me who kept doubting as it never reached me".
Arturo Vidal Amazing Goal HD - Bayern Munich 1.
I am very happy. They were also very cautious because they saw what happened to their Spanish rivals the day before in which they also played as a visitor.
Real pressed home the numerical advantage as Ronaldo tapped the ball between the legs of Bayern's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer for the victor on 77 minutes.
Ronaldo hailed the German's efforts in his post-match comments and added: "Neuer was very good, he made some saves". We are taking it game by game.
Madrid could have taken an even bigger advantage into next week's second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium if it hadn't missed so many chances.
Despite scoring 28 goals in 37 outings this season - including 19 in La Liga - Ronaldo has been scrutinised by different pundits this season for a perceived lack of form and commitment.
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"We have to be happy", Zidane said of the 32-year-old.
Bayern Munich started the match well and dominated Real Madrid in every area of the field.
"It could have finished much higher, but we believe we can still do it".
Real still have to fend off a likely Bayern fightback on Tuesday, but they remain on course to become the first team to retain the Champions League. The former France worldwide said his team's patience and ability to wrest possession away from Bayern had been key.
The Frenchman said: "Winning here isn't easy. In the return leg we will have to dig and we know that".
But the second half was different. We showed patience and we showed the willingness to get the right result.
He came in as a substitute for Bale, who was withdrawn from the game due to an injury concern. He was replaced by youngster Marco Asensio, who went on to make the assist for Ronaldo's victor.
"Gareth Bale felt a tweak at halftime and that I didn't need to take any threats", Zidane said. "In fact he feels bad now".
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