Bayern Munich manager Louis van Gaal believes his side showed Europe what they are capable of after edging past Lyon 1-0 in the Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday night.

Despite losing star midfielder Franck Ribery in the 37th minute to a red card, the Germans dominated proceedings and van Gaal said they are definitely a force to be reckoned with.

"I am very satisfied. I think that we showed Europe tonight how strong we are, we showed that by dominating with 10 men against 11," the Dutchman said.

"I did not think that we would win 1-0 with Ribery getting a red card.

"We dominated. I think we created more chances when we were with 10 men against 11. When we were then 10 against 10 I sent in (another striker) Mario Gomez to score a goal faster. We created many chances but scored one goal. That is good."

Bayern will now take on the French club in the return leg at the Stade de Gerland next Tuesday but will be without Ribery for the entire match.