Ex-Manchester City of England star striker Carlos Tevez last night produced a man-of-the-match performance to help his Juventus secure an impressive 2-1 home win against defending champions Real Madrid of Spain in the first semi-final first leg match of the 2015 European Champions League played in Turin, Italy.

Former Madrid striker Alvaro Morata opened scoring for Juve in the eighth minute, profiting from a rebounded effort from Tevez, whose shot inside the Madrid box was parried by goalkeeper Iker Cassillas.

Madrid responded in the 27th minute through the talismanic Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese heading home a beautiful cross from Jamez Rodriguez.

The first half ended with Real on the front foot, threatening to score a second away goal. However, on resumption of play in the second half, Juventus began asking more questions, with Tevez’s strength and relentless running proving problematic for the cup holders.

In the 57th Tevez went on a powerful run, surging into the edge of Madrid’s six-yard box, where he was upended by Carjaval. Referee Martin Atkinson correctly awarded a penalty to Juve which Tevez coolly converted.

Tried as Madrid did, they couldn’t find a way back as Juventus defended with resoluteness.

Juventus have just been crowned champions of the Italian League (Seria A) and they will be hoping to put on a superlative defensive performance like they did in the second half to qualify for the final of the Champions League. The second leg comes up next week in Madrid.

In the other semi-final game, Spanish League leaders Barcelona will this evening play host at their Santiago Bernabeu Stadium to German champions Bayern Munich. This is expected to be a cliff hanger, as the visitors are coached by ex-Barcelona gaffer Pep Guardiola, who helped turn Barca’s Lionel Messi into one of the greatest players of all time.

The heavily anticipated fixture between the two very entertaining sides comes up at 7:45pm Nigerian time.

•Photo shows Juve star Carlos Tevez in action.