Havertz and Ziyech started the first leg on the bench, but Tuchel has remained loyal to Werner since taking charge in January despite his lack of goals.
Six minutes later, Barca were in front, Griezmann finishing after De Jong timed his run perfectly to meet Alba's floated cross, only for his header to be palmed by Cillessen into Griezmann's path.
Asensio finally gave Madrid the lead late in the 41st minute after his side had two goals ruled out for offside, latching on to a Casemiro through ball and curling his effort into the bottom corner despite losing his footing as he took the shot.
Real then had a goal ruled out for offside for the third time but eventually got the all-important second goal when Benzema headed home a cross from Vinicius Jr. in the 73rd minute.
There may have been a message in his answer about his current role too, how he has "the physique to play freely" and can still "play where the ball goes".