Karim Benzema (C) of Real Madrid shoots to score against Olympique Lyon during their Champions League soccer match at the Gerland stadium in Lyon Feb 22, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

LYON, France - Real Madrid were denied victory when Olympique Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis struck late to earn his side a 1-1 draw in a Champions League last-16 first-leg match on Tuesday.

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Real looked on course to end a run of three successive defeats at the Stade Gerland when substitute Karim Benzema scored with almost his first touch against his former club midway through the second half.

Lyon seized the early initiative with the lively Michel Bastos shooting over and Real rarely threatened until Cristiano Ronaldo's long-range free kick was pushed away by the diving Huge Lloris.

Ronaldo also hit the post with a free kick before Frenchman Benzema, replacing Emmanuel Adebayor, avoided several challenges in the box and calmly slotted the ball into the net on 65 minutes.

Lyon equalised seven minutes from time when the ball looped off a defender from a free kick straight to the unmarked Gomis who scored from close range.

The second leg takes place at the Bernabeu on March 16.