Real Madrid Los Blancos in commanding position

Asensio shines in victory over Bayern Munich

It is clear that Real Madrid's 2-1 victory against Bayern Munich in Germany on Wednesday has left Los Blancos in a fantastic position to reach the semi-final stage and the Bavarian side will have to look to Odense for inspiration ahead of the second-leg on Tuesday.

This is because the only time the Spanish giants have ever a recorded a first-leg victory and not progressed was back in the 1994/95 UEFA Cup when Danish side Odense eliminated them to reach the semi-final.

Jorge Valdano's team won 3-2 on Danish soil and looked almost certain of progression only for one of the most unforgettable nights in Odense's history to take place at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

The visitors arrived in Spain without anything to lose and played a game of football that epitomised their fearless attitude as the hosts were caught cold by the team they had previously beaten.

It wasn't a victory without good fortunate however as goalkeeper Lars Hoegh put in the performance of a lifetime to keep Real Madrid at bay, something Manuel Neuer may have to do on Tuesday.

Ulrik Pedersen opened the scoring with a fine left-footed shot to set the stage for the drama that would follow.

The match headed into the final minute with Real Madrid still set to progress courtesy of the away goals rule only for Morten Bisgaard to score a dramatic late goal leaving Valdano's team with no time to respond.

Whilst it was a disappointing end to their continental efforts that year, the 1994/95 season was to end on a positive note for Los Blancos as they did indeed lift the LaLiga title which brought to an end four seasons of Barcelona domination made possible by a certain Johan Cruyff.

In Denmark the match is remembered as the 'Miracle in Madrid' and it is little wonder given the gulf in stature between the two clubs.

The situation with Bayern Munich isn't necessarily the same but such is Real Madrid's success rate after winning the first-leg of a tie, it might not be too farfetched to suggest Carlo Ancelotti's charges too need a miracle.