Kimmich netted from inside the area after Madrid captain Sergio Ramos failed to clear a ball crossed into the area by Corentin Tolisso.

It was an eerily similar start to Madrid's match against Juventus, when it conceded in the second minute while trying to protect a 3-0 first-leg advantage. Madrid conceded twice more in that game but eventually advanced thanks to Ronaldo's injury-time penalty.

This time, Madrid reacted a lot more quickly, with Benzema equalizing in the 11th with a firm header after a well-placed cross from the left by Marcelo.

Benzema hasn't been playing regularly as a starter and was a surprise addition to the lineup by Zidane. He had scored only once in his last 12 appearances in all competitions.

"It was a perfect night for me and for everyone," Benzema said.

The French striker gave Madrid a 2-1 lead after Ulreich's howler. The goalkeeper appeared to lose his footing while trying to get to the ball and seemed to hesitate to stop it with his hands before missing it entirely as he went to the ground. That allowed Benzema to run onto the ball for an easy finish into an open net.

"It was tough to concede that goal so early in the second half," Heynckes said. "It was a gift."Bayern wasn't done yet and Rodriguez equalized with a low shot from inside the area. The Colombian playmaker didn't celebrate, instead raising his hands in an almost apologetic gesture to the home fans.

Bayern unsuccessfully appealed for a handball by Marcelo just before halftime, when the Madrid defender appeared to be just inside the area.

"I'd be lying if I said the ball didn't touch my hand," the Brazilian left back said. "And if it touched my hand, I think it was (a penalty)."Meanwhile Robert Lewandowski continued to struggle up front, as he went a fifth straight Champions League game without a goal for the first time in his career.

Madrid, playing in its 250th Champions League match, is the first team to make it to three European finals in a row since Juventus from 1996-98.

AP