Real Madrid 3 Bayern Munich 2: Real rebuild with Beckham the architect of success

The England coach, Steve McClaren, asked for a video of David Beckham's last game. The former national captain will want to hand-deliver a copy of this performance. Beckham, who was sent off in Real's dull draw at the weekend, was the architect of all of his side's goals as Madrid edged ahead of Bayern Munich in this Champions League last-16, first-leg tie.

There were even chants of "Beckham! Beckham!" from the home crowd, the like of which have not been heard since the early days of stint in Spain. With the Champions League thoroughbreds Raul and Ruud van Nistelrooy on form, Real were on course to be comfortable winners until they conceded a potentially damaging late away goal.

"Beckham played very well, he was very important," said his coach, Fabio Capello. "When he has been in the side he has always played at a high level. He created two tonight and [scored] one the other night and I recognise that."

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Capello started Beckham on the right after toying with the idea of playing him in the centre, and recalled the young Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain. Van Nistelrooy had the first chance, however, blazing over after running on to Beckham's throw. Beckham then whipped in a cross that just eluded Raul.

On 10 minutes Real were ahead. Beckham found Van Nistelrooy and his pass sent Raul clear. His first shot was saved by Oliver Khan but his second effort crept in.

The first goal was always going to be vital, with the crowd waiting to turn on the unpopular Capello, but on 23 minutes Bayern were level after sloppy goalkeeping. The full-back Willy Sagnol floated a free-kick to the back post, Iker Casillas failed to come and, jumping between two defenders, Lucio looped a header over the Real goalkeeper.

Madrid's response was swift. Higuain won a corner and from Beckham's kick the defender Ivan Helguera headed towards goal with Raul, on the line, touching the ball home. Eleven minutes before half-time it was three Beckham's free-kick was flicked on by Helguera and Van Nistelrooy volleyed in.

Beckham started the second half as he had finished the first, hitting a 35-yard pass to Higuain, whose shot was smothered by Khan. The keeper then saved Beckham's free-kick.

Capello showed unusual bravado throwing on the winger Robinho to keep Bayern stretched. But Real tired, allowing Bayern to score what could be a vital second away goal, with Mark van Bommel beating Casillas in the 88th minute.

As he left the pitch Van Bommel, formerly of Barcelona, made crude gestures towards the home fans only to apologise later. "I have got nothing against the Real fans," he said, "only against some of the players."

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Casillas; Roberto Carlos (Raul Bravo, 59), Cannavaro, Helguera, Torres; Gago, Guti; Beckham, Higuain (Robinho, 53), Raul; Van Nistelrooy. Substitutes not used: Diego Lopez Salgado, Emerson, Reyes, Mejia.

Bayern Munich (4-4-2): Khan; Sagnol, Lucio, Van Buyten, Lahm; Schweinsteiger (Scholl, 79), Hargreaves, Van Bommel, Demichelis (Salihamidzic, 46); Podolski (Pizarro, 61), Makaay. Substitutes not used: Rensing, Gorlitz, Santa Cruz, Ottl.

Referee: F de Bleeckere (Belgium).