Robben does it again for Bayern

Ribery was red-carded for this challenge on Lyon’s Lisandro [AFP]

Dutchman Arjen Robben scored his second wonder strike in as many European Champions League games as his goal was again the difference in the first leg of Bayern Munich’s semi-final against Lyon.

The French visitors had the chance to take control of the tie when Franck Ribery was sent off for a nasty tackle on Lisandro Lopez just before half-time.

But Bayern maintained control before Lyon’s Jeremy Toulalan was unlucky to get a second yellow for an innocuous challenge on Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Robben then hit a long-range winner that took a touch off Thomas Muller’s head to give the Germans the advantage going into next week’s return match in France.

The former Real Madrid and Chelsea man received a rocket from coach Louis van Gaal as he complained loudly at being subsequently substituted, cutting a quiet figure on the remaining route to the dressing room.

Clincher

Since joining Bayern from Real in August 2009, Robben has now scored 20 goals in all competitions, but few as important as his 69th-minute strike at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday that followed his clincher against Manchester United two weeks ago.

All the pre-match hype was around Ribery, who was questioned by French police at the weekend after being involved in the under-age call-girl investigation which has rocked the French football team.

Ribery kept a low profile going into the game, but both he and Toulalan will now miss the second-leg next week back in Lyon.

Having had his chances to score, Ribery was shown a straight red by referee Roberto Rosetti on 37 minutes for his dangerous foul as he went with his studs over the ball into Argentinian Lisandro’s standing leg.

After the interval, France defender Toulalan sent Robben tumbling to the turf to earn himself a yellow card on 51 minutes.

Then just three minutes later, he was shown a second card after the referee interpreted his challenge on Schweinsteiger as dangerous.

Robben launched his shot from well outside the penalty area on 69 minutes and the ball deflected slightly off Muller to beat Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

Despite the French side’s efforts, Bayern stayed in control and will take a slender advantage to Lyon for the second leg on April 27.