Real edge ahead with controversial winner

Real Madrid 2 Juventus 1

Real Madrid 2 Juventus 1

A controversial goal from Brazilian ace Roberto Carlos gave Real Madrid victory in a tightly-fought Champions League semi-final first leg at the Bernabeu.

With the game delicately poised after goals from home hero Ronaldo and Juve's David Trezeguet, Roberto Carlos let fly with a fizzing left-foot shot which found the corner of the net.

Initially the linesman flagged, as three Real players were in an offside position when the shot was struck, but after referee Terje Hauge consulted with his assistant the goal was given.

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Real had started the game brightly and deserved their early lead, which came through Ronaldo after 23 minutes.

He combined neatly with Fernando Morientes to finish coolly past Gianluigi Buffon in the Juve goal.

The visitors were not about to roll over and they struck back against the run of play through their French striker Trezeguet on the stroke of half-time.

After Alessandro del Piero's cross-shot deflected off Michel Salgado, the ball fell kindly to Trezeguet who stabbed it home.

That goal, and the departure of Ronaldo to injury soon after half-time, boosted the visitors, but Real managed to regain the advantage through Roberto Carlos' strike after 73 minutes.