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Does playing the second leg at home really give Real Madrid an advantage?
May 11, 2015 12:00:00
ANALYSIS: Carlo Ancelotti’s men are looking to overturn a 2-1 deficit in the Champions League semi-final, but are the history books on their side?
By Chris Myson
The Champions League draw is often greeted by coaches taking solace from receiving home ties for second legs - even if they have been pitted against a difficult rival.
Uefa also seems to feel that such a situation presents an advantage, rewarding Champions League group winners with an away last-16 first leg, meaning the decisive second encounter will be played in front of their own fans.
From the quarter-finals onwards there is an open draw, although the venue of each leg remains a key consideration in any draw analysis. By the time we reach the last four, though, are teams playing the second leg at home really more likely to progress?
The simple answer is 'not really', with the current trend moving further away from the perception that a home second leg is helpful.
This week, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid return home in an attempt to overturn first-leg deficits. Pep Guardiola’s side have an uphill battle on their hands after losing 3-0 to Barcelona at Camp Nou, while fans of Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid are more optimistic of turning around a 2-1 deficit at home to Juventus.
Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. remain odds-on favourites with the bookmakers to reach the final in Berlin despite being behind in the tie, with home advantage seemingly a crucial factor. The statistics, though, show that should not be the case.
Two-legged semi-finals in the Champions League returned in 1995 when Ajax and AC Milan both secured a place in that year’s final having received home second legs.
The overall picture from the last two decades suggests such a situation has not given the teams in question an advantage. In total, just 17 out of the 40 semi-final sides (42.5 per cent) who played the return match in their own stadium have progressed to the final during the Champions League era.
In recent years, that trend has become increasingly marked. Over the last six seasons, only two out of the 12 teams (17%) to have home second legs in the last four have reached the final.
Manchester United (against Schalke) and Barcelona (against Real Madrid) both bucked the trend to reach the 2011 showpiece at Wembley, but each of the other five years has seen the progress of every team playing away in the second leg.
Madrid’s own experiences in recent years do not bode well for them. In 2012 and 2013 they suffered consecutive semi-final exits when playing the second legs at home against Bayern and Borussia Dortmund respectively under Jose Mourinho.
Their run to last year’s final came after playing the return game against Bayern in Germany, while Atletico Madrid sealed their spot in Lisbon after a successful second leg against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Does the prospect of an extra-time period allowing visiting sides an extra 30 minutes to score an invaluable away goal actually put the home teams at a disadvantage? Are the clubs involved at this late stage playing at such a high level that the venue does not have much of an influence on the outcome? Are away first-legs leaving teams too much ground to make up?
Whatever the reason, home advantage in the second leg is quickly becoming a curse at the semi-final stage. The statistics highlight the scale of Madrid's task in their hunt for a record-breaking 11th title.
With Bayern all but out of the competition following their Camp Nou collapse and Madrid far from certain to progress against a Juve side who are set to include Paul Pogba and have a lead to defend, the recent trend could well be extended through 2015.
The Germany star says his side have nothing to lose as they approach the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against the Catalans
Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller believes his side can make a statement to the world of football by overcoming Barcelona.
Pep Guardiola's side's chances of reaching the Champions League final are remote after they lost 3-0 in the first leg of the last-four tie at Camp Nou.
However, Muller is eyeing an ambitious second-leg comeback in Tuesday's return game at the Allianz Arena, which he believes would shock the rest of Europe.
"I am netiher very euphoric nor very pessimistic," he said at a press conference.
"We need to take our chances. Everyone knows that things were better before. We will have a plan.
"That first leg was a huge disappointment. But since we left Camp Nou we've wanted to make up for it. If we go through, it will be a statement for the world of football. This is the plan and it's not stupid.
"In football, many things are possible. That's why there's still hope and we still believe in ourselves. We can't expect things to go like against Porto. But that's what we need.
"We have to find the right mix of better attacking and more calmness on the ball. The three-man defence was a risk against a three-man attack.
"The coach will prepare us well and the rest is will and support from the fans."
Muller went on to add that the recent slump in form has not affected the mood of Guardiola.
"I haven't noticed any difference. But of course, right after a decisive defeat the mood is not good.
"We have nothing to lose against Barca and this is how the players and the coach are approaching the match. We will give it a try, it is not over yet. We will give everything until the referee blows his whistle."
Guardiola rejects City talk: I will be at Bayern next season
By Enis Koylu
May 11, 2015 10:38:57
The 44-year-old has been tipped to replace Manuel Pellegrini at the Etihad but will see out the final year of his contract
Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has insisted that he has no intention of moving to Manchester City at the end of the season.
The Bundesliga champions have lost their last four games in all competitions, including a 3-0 defeat to the Spaniard's former club Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final last week.
Those results have sparked rumours Guardiola could leave Bayern for the Etihad, with former Bavarians and City midfielder Dietmar Hamann claiming he was already in advanced talks.
However, the 44-year-old has rejected the speculation and is adamant he will be at the Allianz Arena next season.
"I've said it 200 million times: I have one year left on my contract. I'll stay here next season. That is all," he insisted at a press conference.
Bayern face Barcelona in the return leg of their European tie on Tuesday facing a seemingly impossible task of overturning their first leg defeat having failed to score an away goal.
But despite needing at least three goals to remain in the tie, Guardiola has ruled out the prospect of adopting a gung-ho tactical approach.
"We must be patient. We can't do everything in the first 15 to 20 minutes. First we must play football, then we'll see what happens.
"It's not easy to take play catch up and control the game. We'll try.
"They have a 3-0 advantage but it's just a game. We'll give it a try and focus on playing our game, not just the result.
"I'm not thinking about what happens if Barca score. If they score one, we'll need five. Barca have scored 27 goals in their last seven games and have conceded none.
"We must try to have more of the ball than they do."
The right-back has emphasised the importance of a patient approach against the Bianconeri as his side bid to reach the Champions League final
Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal has warned his team-mates that a gung-ho approach against Juventus will get them nowhere.
The Bianconeri lead the European champions 2-1 from the first leg of their Champions League semi-final thanks to strikes from Alvaro Morata and Carlos Tevez, but Cristiano Ronaldo's away goal could prove crucial.
The former Bayer Leverkusen right-back feels his side should adopt a patient approach and look to slowly break down Massimiliano Allegri's men rather than attack en masse.
"We must keep a cool head, be patient and not go crazy," he is quoted as saying by Marca.
"We know what a game of football lasts 90 minutes. We have to make them pay a high price for suffering without possession.
"We have to learn from the game in Turin. They created danger for us. If we stay calm, have patience and move them, the game will fall to us.
"We cannot make mistakes on easy passes in simple situations. That gives them life."
Morata began his career at Real Madrid before moving to Juventus last summer and, though Carvajal is happy to see him playing well, he is not looking forward to facing his old colleague.
"To find a friend in the semi-finals of the Champions League is great but playing against him is a disadvantage because he's a great player and a big danger."
Madrid are expected to be boosted by the return of star forward Karim Benzema and Carvajal feels his comeback could shift the tie in his side's favour.
"Karim brings us a lot of things. I hope he can get to the game on Wednesday and do his bit, which is always important."
Carvajal also called upon the Santiago Bernabeu faithful to get behind the team to give them extra motivation to reach the Berlin showpiece.
"We will feel the breath of the fans; they'll be our 12th man."
The Switzerland international has warned his team-mates that paying too much attention to the 30-year-old could cost them a spot in the Champions League final
Juventus defender Stephan Lichsteiner says he has more to worry about ahead of Wednesday's Champions League game than just Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Bianconeri hold a 2-1 lead from the first leg of their semi-final, with strikes from Alvaro Morata and Carlos Tevez giving the Serie A champions the win.
However, Ronaldo netted a potentially crucial away goal and the Switzerland international, who has the unenviable task of facing the 30-year-old at the Bernabeu, feels a number of Madrid players pose a threat.
"The game will come down to small details," he told Juve's official television channel.
"We have a team. Two years ago, we were eliminated in the quarter-finals against Bayern Munich and they won the Champions League.
"It's all about the minor details - winning a little and losing a little. We have improved with every game.
"Real Madrid are very strong, not just Ronaldo. We have to prepare well but we have to believe we can do it.
"We had a great match in the first leg, but the return leg is still to come and it'll be very difficult. We have to play well, but we are prepared."
Bayern Munich-Barcelona Preview: Rummenigge hoping for 'once in a century' performance
Harry West
May 11, 2015 11:38:42
The Bavarians trail 3-0 from the first leg of their Champions League semi-final and need a minor miracle to reach the final
Bayern Munich face a mammoth task in their Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona, with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitting he is praying for a "once in a century" display.
In last week's opening leg at Camp Nou, Bayern matched Barca for 75 minutes until Lionel Messi scored two brilliant goals before Neymar added a third to take control of the tie.
Bayern's preparation for this clash has been less than ideal, with Pepe Reina - who started in goal in place of the rested Manuel Neuer on Saturday - lasting just 13 minutes before being sent off in their 1-0 home defeat to Augsburg.
However, having already been crowned Bundesliga champions, the defeat is of little consequence to Bayern, and chief executive Rummenigge is hoping his club can produce one of the great European comebacks.
"It is going to be very hard," he said. "Barcelona were the favourites in the first place and after the game that status grew. This is normal when you get this sort of result.
"But nonetheless, it is the duty of Bayern Munich to put on their best performance on Tuesday. We will see if it will be enough. Our chances are very, very small, but in football there is always one game in a century where you can turn the tides.
"They are rare, I know, but it is our responsibility to give all we can. If it is not enough you can't change it but you at least have to try."
Although Bayern's hopes of a treble have been dashed by last week's defeat to Barca and a DFB-Pokal semi-final loss to Borussia Dortmund, Rummenigge believes 2014-15 will still go down as a success.
"If I was have write a report on our season so far, it would be very positive," he added.
By contrast, Barca are very much on course for the treble, with a Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao to look forward to, while Saturday's 2-0 win over Real Sociedad and Real Madrid's 2-2 draw with Valencia gave them a four-point lead at the top of La Liga with two matches remaining.
Luis Enrique's men are on a blistering run of form at just the right time, winning all of their last eight matches, scoring 28 goals and keeping seven consecutive clean sheets.
Bayern Munich to fight for Champions League second-leg miracle against Barcelona
Pep Guardiola's embattled side will aim to repeat their rousing first half against Porto in an effort to overturn Barca's commanding lead
PUBLISHED : Monday, 11 May, 2015, 10:43pm
UPDATED : Monday, 11 May, 2015, 10:43pm
Agence France-Presse
The 3-0 defeat in the first leg was a chastening experience for Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola. Photo: Reuters
Pep Guardiola has promised Bayern Munich will put up a fight in tomorrow's Champions League semi-final, second leg, in their near-impossible bid to deny Barcelona an eighth appearance in the final.
Bayern are chasing a miracle at the Allianz Arena after their humbling 3-0 first-leg defeat at the Camp Nou last Wednesday when Lionel Messi capped a dazzling display with two goals.
No team has ever overturned a three-goal deficit in a European semi-final.
"We all know it's going to be a mammoth task, but we're not going to give up," said Bayern forward Thomas Mueller.
Bayern believe they can claim a historic win with Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger suggesting: "Sometimes unbelievable things happen in football and we hope we're going to catch one of those days".
But their confidence has been dented by losing their last four games since winning the German league for the 25th time a fortnight ago and the losing streak is their longest since 1991.
In Saturday's latest defeat, Bayern crashed 1-0 at home to neighbours Augsburg and had to play 77 minutes with 10 men after reserve goalkeeper Pepe Reina was sent off.
Having also lost 2-0 at Leverkusen the previous week before their drubbing in Barcelona, it is the first time Bayern have failed to score in three consecutive games for 15 years.
But Bayern coach Guardiola, a former Barcelona boss, insists his side must keep their dreams alive.
Bayern Munich's Polish forward Robert Lewandowski (centre) is tackled by Barcelona defender Gerard Pique (left) during Barcelona's first leg win. Photo: AFP
"I am realistic, that is the only way you can win," said the Spaniard, who has warned his side they risk being routed unless they contain Barcelona.
"The dream is still there and we have 90 minutes. It won't be easy, but I am a fighter."
In contrast, Barca have scored 19 goals in their last four games.
They are poised to win the league title after beating Real Sociedad 2-0 on Saturday, a result which left them four points ahead of rivals Real Madrid.
Brazil star Neymar has now scored in each of his last six matches to take his tally for the season to 35.Lionel Messi gave German international Jerome Boateng a torrid evening at the Camp Nou. Photo: Xinhua
But Barca coach Luis Enrique refuses to believe Bayern will bow out of Europe without a fight.
"I saw it [the defeat against Augsburg]. They lost, but they played 70 minutes with 10 men. We will suffer a lot in Munich," said the Barca boss.
"They are unique opponents, who know what it is like to turn around important matches already this season.
"We will never think that it is done, nor even that it looks very good for us. We need to defend as far away from our goal as much as possible."
One ray of hope, as Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer put it, is the fact Guardiola's side emphatically turned their 3-1 quarter-final, first-leg defeat at Porto into a 6-1 rout in Munich with five goals in the opening 45 minutes. A fact Guardiola will no doubt be reminding his team of as they prepare for the second leg.
Real Madrid v Juventus: Chiellini advocates attacking approach
11 May 2015
Defender Giorgio Chiellini knows Juventus cannot afford to play with an overly defensive approach in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid.
The Serie A champions visit the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday holding a 2-1 lead from the first leg in Turin.
Ex-Real striker Alvaro Morata gave Juve the lead before Cristiano Ronaldo equalised, only for Carlos Tevez to settle the contest with a 57th-minute penalty.
But Real's away goal means a 1-0 win would be enough to see the holders through to the final in Berlin next month.
And Chiellini told Sky Sport Italia: "We will need to score a goal, because we know that that you can't go to Madrid and defend such a slender advantage.
"Our spirits are high and we've had a relaxing week, having already won the Scudetto. We've prepared well for the match and can't wait for Wednesday evening."
Carlo Ancelotti's Real head into the contest on the back of a 2-2 draw with Valencia that all-but ended their hopes of winning the Liga title.
That setback effectively leaves the Champions League as the FIFA Club World Cup winners' only remaining chance of further silverware this season.
Despite the pressure surrounding the fixture, Real playmaker James Rodriguez insisted in an interview with El Pais: "Real Madrid don't fear anyone.
"We respect all the teams in the world, and we know what Italian teams are like - they defend very well and we will have to be very good to break through their defence.
"We have to score goals and if we manage that we will be going to the final in Berlin."
Real will again be without midfielder Luka Modric because of a knee problem but Karim Benzema is expected to be fit enough to play after nearly a month out with a similar issue.
Toni Kroos picked up a thigh injury in the draw with Valencia and is a doubt, while Juve are without Kwadwo Asamoah (knee) and Martin Caceres (ankle).
One player that will be available for Juve is France midfielder Paul Pogba, who marked his return from a hamstring injury with a goal in a 1-1 draw with Cagliari at the weekend.
Real are one of the teams to have been linked with the in-demand Pogba, and stopping the former Manchester United man is likely to be key for the hosts if they are to keep their hopes of retaining the trophy alive.
Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique is planning to do all he can to ensure Tuesday's UEFA Champions League semi-final second-leg encounter at Bayern Munich is not a "crazy" tie.
The Liga leaders travel to the Allianz Arena with a commanding 3-0 lead from last week's first leg in Barcelona, making them the clear favourites to reach the final in Berlin.
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola, who won 14 major titles during a trophy-laden four-year spell at Barcelona, described the Catalan giants as the world's best counter-attacking team.
Luis Enrique was grateful for the compliment, but stated that Barca would look to dominate possession rather than have to rely on the counter.
"It's high praise from a manager of his magnitude," he said. "We don't want a crazy game. If things go crazy we'll calm it down.
"The counter-attack is one of our weapons, but we'd prefer to have the ball. We know Bayern need the ball more than us, there will be times we'll need to attack the spaces."
Luis Enrique has led Barca to within one victory of clinching the Liga title, the final of the Copa del Rey and the last four of the Champions League in an excellent first season in charge.
But the Spaniard rejected the idea that the match in Munich is the most important of his career, while expressing his hope that the game will follow a similar pattern to the first leg.
"I hope the most important night is still to come. It will be the same [type of] night as the others," he added.
"We want the match to be similar to the first leg where we created more goalscoring chances than they did. There are things in their favour, it's hard to play away.
"Hopefully we can generate situations of danger and minimise the danger to us. It's impossible in a semi-final to relax, there's too much tension."
Barcelona not too confident ahead of Bayern clash - Mascherano
By Peter McVitie
May 11, 2015 18:44:07
The midfielder has urged his side to forget about their lead from the first leg and see out the tie against Pep Guardiola's side on Tuesday
Javier Mascherano has admitted that Barcelona are not too confident heading into Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg with Bayern Munich, despite holding a 3-0 lead from the first game against the German side.
A Lionel Messi double followed by a strike from Neymar gave Barca the advantage in the tie as the sides battle for a place in the final.
Mascherano, though, feels his side must forget about their lead when the game starts and look to prevent Bayern from getting anything from the game in Munich.
"I think we need to forget that we are leading 3-0, we have to try to win this match. We know that we are doing well in the league. If we try something different in this competition, we would be making a mistake.
"We are not excessively confident about what could happen in the game - they are going to try everything to progress.
"Tomorrow's game is really exciting for us. Playing in the Champions League final is a dream."
The Argentine midfielder has urged his side to put in the perfect performance against Pep Guardiola's men as they look to become one of Europe's greatest sides.
"We will attack because we do not know how to play any other way - it's the club philosophy. To reach the final in Berlin, we will have to play the perfect game, because Bayern will demand it of us.
"This Barca team is aiming to become a great side. We are on the way and let's hope we can get there. We are very competitive, we want to win titles - we are 90 minutes away from the final. We will do everything to fulfill our dream. If you get to this stage, every mistake can be punished - we have to take it step by step tomorrow.
"I don't know how Bayern will line up. But I expect a hungry Bayern team, right from the start. They will try to score, we know how they play at home. But we are prepared for everything, nothing will surprise us. If we just defend they will come to us - now we are in the semi-final, it would be a mistake just to defend."
Mascherano was then asked about his thoughts on his team-mate Lionel Messi, who he hailed as a unique player.
"I am a huge fan of Messi - I enjoy watching him. You can’t compare him to anyone. For me he is the best player of all time."
Bayern Munich 3-2 Barcelona (agg 3-5): Messi & Co reach final despite defeat
May 12, 2015 21:38:00
Neymar's first half double proved crucial for the visitors as they saw off the challenge of Pep Guardiola's side
A Neymar double helped Barcelona progress to their first Champions League final since 2011 despite a 3-2 second-leg semi-final defeat to Bayern Munich on Tuesday.
A Lionel Messi double and Neymar's strike at Camp Nou last Wednesday had given the Liga leaders a 3-0 lead after the first encounter and, despite a spirited display, Bayern were unable to complete a remarkable fightback in the return leg.
Mehdi Benatia's early header gave Bayern hope, but Pep Guardiola described his former club Barca as the best counter-attacking team in the world ahead of the game and they lived up to that billing at the Allianz Arena.
Luis Suarez laid on two goals for Neymar - who now has 37 for the season and has scored in his last seven matches - in the first half and, although Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller gave the Bundesliga champions victory on the night, the job had been done by Barca in the first leg.
It was the visitors' first defeat since February and they had not conceded for over 10 hours prior to Tuesday's game, but they remain on course for a famous treble in Luis Enrique's first season in charge, while Bayern have crashed out in the semi-finals two years running under Guardiola.
Buffon: If we just defend against Madrid, we'll lose
Peter McVitie
May 12, 2015 20:33:50
The Juventus goalkeeper believes his side must play with "intelligence" when they take on the European and world champions on Wednesday
Gianluigi Buffon says Juventus will not set out to hold onto their lead against Real Madrid in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final, second leg because they will end up regretting it.
Juve go into the last-four clash with a slender advantage having beaten Carlo Ancelotti's men 2-1 in Turin last week.
Buffon insists his side will have to be "intelligent" to ensure they reach the final.
"Madrid have so much quality in the final third that if we come here just to defend our lead we'll leave with regrets," he told reporters.
"I think we'll try and play with a certain intelligence, seeing as we have an advantage, small as it may be.
"Each of us has the desire to chase this dream of reaching the final. The only way to get to the final is to come here and play football.
"Real-Juve is a game of pride for everyone at Juventus: players, backroom staff, club and fans."
The goalkeeper believes Carlos Tevez will be the key player for the Serie A champions, while the return of Paul Pogba from injury will boost the team too.
"Tevez is a driving force, he understands what the team needs. He brings professionalism and football intelligence," Buffon added.
"Pogba gives us another option. If he doesn't have 90 minutes in his legs, then he can at least play for 60 or 70."
Luis Enrique: Barca made too many errors, but should be proud
May 12, 2015 23:29:00
The Blaugrana boss is targeting Champions League glory after watching his team ease past Pep Guardiola's men to reach the final
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique was quick to forgive a sub-standard defensive display from his side after watching them ease past Bayern Munich and into the Champions League final on Tuesday.
Barca had not coneded in any of their previous seven games heading into the clash at the Allianz Arena, but were uncharacteristically sloppy at the back against Pep Guardiola's men. However, a 3-2 defeat was enough to see them through 5-3 on aggregate and they will now meet either Real Madrid or Juventus in the final in Berlin on June 6.
Mehdi Benatia nodded in unmarked to give Bayern an early lead, only for two Neymar goals to put the visitors back in control.
Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller made the most of more lax defending to hand Bayern the win on the night but Luis Enrique was in a generous mood afterwards.
"The match in the first half was under control. In the second, we made several errors but they were down to the scoreline and fatigue," he told reporters.
"It is a night to be happy.
"The target is completed and now the goal is to win the Champions League title."
The former Barca and Real Madrid midfielder admitted the second half had been a struggle with Bayern going all out for an unlikely victory but, in truth, his team always had enough in hand.
He added: "We forced the opponent to attack us, so we took some risks.
"Bayern were very physical, especially in the second half, they really wanted to turn it around.
"I am very satisfied with the performance of my players, the whole team deserved the victory and we have to enjoy this."
Barcelona exact sweetest revenge as treble dream edges ever closer
May 12, 2015 21:50:00
COMMENT: Luis Enrique's side lost 3-2 to Bayern on the night but were never under threat and have banished the memory of their thrashing at the same stage just two years ago
By Paul Macdonald
Revenge for 2013. Barcelona completed their progression to the Champions League final by ruthlessly despatching Bayern Munich 5-3 on aggregate to not only solidify their status as currently the best team in the world, but dish out that which had been brutally received in their 7-0 humiliation against the Germans two years ago.
Pep Guardiola's side held the match to the blue touch paper for a fleeting spell, after Medhi Benatia's excellent header had threatened to turn this into a contest. But Neymar's double quickly put Bayern back in their place, which is - on the evidence of these two legs - a significant distance behind their conquerors. A 3-2 win on the night salvages some pride for Bayern, but little else.
This is peak Barca at the peak time of the season. Just six months ago the Luis Enrique project appeared dead before it had even been given a chance to flourish. Worrying performances against the likes of Getafe & Celta Vigo, as well as a comprehensive Clasico defeat, put the coach under the spotlight. A strained relationship with Lionel Messi, expensive summer signings Jeremy Mathieu and Thomas Vermaelen either criticised or perenially injured, then the rejection of the appear against their FIFA-imposed transfer ban. It was shaping up to be a year to forget.
Yet this Barca looks the most devastating since the 2011 side and credit must be given to Luis Enrique for stablising the situation. He blooded some of the B team earlier in the campaign and although the likes of Munir and Sandro have been used sparingly of late his rotation has helped to keep the team fresh to hit top form in the run-in. He also persevered with Ivan Rakitic's period of finding his feet and now we have a player that looks perfect for the side. He has rejuvenated Andres Iniesta and has carefully managed Xavi. He's earned their respect and deserves his success.
And there's no denying that the added bonus from reaching the final in Berlin was the manner in which they reminded everyone that they are the pre-eminent force. Observers were quick to write off this generation after the 4-0 loss at the Allianz Arena two years ago and to proclaim Bayern as the team who would be set to dominate European football. Six players from that match started for Barcelona tonight while a seventh, Pedro, came on at half-time. That team didn't die, it has simply evolved.
The evolution is, of course, the most breathtaking element of all. Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar appear to operate with a hive mind; for both first-half goals it was Messi orchestrating, Suarez tirelessly running and selflessly squaring, and Neymar finishing with conviction. Each of the three complements the talents of the others so completely that they must now be considered an all-powerful collective.
Much was made of Messi's brilliance in the first leg last week, but it was Neymar who scored the goals that killed this tie and it was Suarez's virtuosity that made Paris Saint-Germain seem absolutely average. This has been a consolidated effort from a triumvirate that, if allowed to remain fit and together, could render opposition defences obsolete.
Bayern defenders will point to the injuries to key players and with justification contest that were Barca equally short, it might have been a different story. What's more their slick attacking play, particularly in the second half when Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski scored superb goals, proves that this team's offensive approach doesn't need wholesale changes.
But, ultimately, a formidable Bayern side were never truly in the tie. It's difficult to imagine anything other than Blaugrana ribbons hanging from the famous trophy in June.
Barcelona are one step from winning everything - Iniesta
By Jon Fisher
May 12, 2015 22:49:00
The Spain midfielder helped the Blaugrana into another final but knows his side now face a testing few weeks as they look to claim the treble
Andres Iniesta says Barcelona are "one step" away from winning everything as they close in on a domestic and continental treble.
Barca eased into the Champions Leage final on Tuesday despite a 3-2 defeat at Bayern Munich, beating Pep Guardiola's men 5-3 on aggregate, and will meet the winner of the second semi-final between Real Madrid and Juventus in Berlin on June 6.
Luis Enrique's men will be crowned La Liga champions on if they win their next game against Atletico Madrid, although a possible strike threatens to delay their confirmation, while they will also contest the final of the Copa del Rey against Athletic Bilbao at Camp Nou on May 30.
With his team so close to such remarkable success, Iniesta is gearing up for a vital few weeks.
He told TV3: "We are where we want to be every year, we are one step from everything and we'll try to take that step forward.
"We are not content, though, the titles would be incredible for everyone. Every year is different, this year is good in every sense. We have overcome some very important rivals and we are going to give everything."
Mehdi Benatia's early header gave Bayern hope of overcoming a 3-0 first-leg deficit, but two Neymar goals before half-time settled Barca nerves.
Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller gave Pep Guardiola a win on the night against his former club but Barca were comfortable winners in the end.
Iniesta added: "We knew they were going to push from the start but the two goals in the first half gave us peace. We are in another final and we must celebrate it."
Bayern needed a miracle against extraordinary Barca - Lahm
May 12, 2015 23:04:00
The club captain has hailed the Spanish side after their qualification for the Champions League, but was left ruing the poor end to last week's first leg
Philipp Lahm saluted an “extraordinary” Barcelona after his Bayern Munich were eliminated from the Champions League by Luis Enrique’s side.
Bayern won Tuesday’s semi-final second leg 3-2 at the Allianz Arena, but Barca’s 3-0 first-leg win ensured progression to the Berlin final for the Spaniards.
And Lahm admitted the gap was just too big to bridge against the world’s most in-form outfit.
“As a player you always believe in miracles. But you can't request anything, it's not that easy,” Lahm told Sky.
“Barcelona are an extraordinary team, and they convert their chances. We gave everything we had, we showed determination. Our game looked a lot better today, we created many chances in the first half. But we did not lose the tie today.”
Bayern had held Barca to a scoreless first leg until the final 13 minutes at the Camp Nou only to concede three late goals, and the Bayern skipper insisted it was in those closing stages in Spain that the tie was lost.
“Maybe the last two minutes in Barcelona cost us the final,” he added. “If you return home with a 1-0 loss, many things are possible compared to a 3-0 loss. We did not go out against a bad team but a team that had every player availabe and was at its peak.”
Barcelona will face either Real Madrid or Juventus in the Champions League final at Berlin’s Olympiastadion on June 6.
The former Barcelona boss insists the Argentine is the greatest player the sport has ever seen after he helped to eliminate Bayern Munich from the Champions League
Pep Guardiola says Lionel Messi is the “best player of all time” and wants Barcelona to win the Champions League after they knocked his Bayern Munich side out of the Champions League on Tuesday.
The former Barca boss watched his side beat his old club 3-2 at the Allianz Arena in the semi-final second leg, but they were unable to overturn the 3-0 deficit from the first leg.
And Messi, who scored the first two goals at Camp Nou in the opening clash, was given a sparkling review by his former coach when Guardiola spoke to the media following Bayern’s elimination.
“I am happy that Messi is back here again. He is incredible, he is back to his best as he was when I used to train him,” Guardiola told a press conference.
“We're lucky to live in his age as he is the best player of all time. I can compare him to Pele, and I am very proud of the years I spent with him.”
Guardiola’s side gained a face-saving victory in Munich thanks to an early goal by Medhi Benatia and second-half strikes from Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller, but the coach admitted the tie was lost in Catalunya and wished his former charges well in June’s final.
"I am satisfied with the performance of my team. We needed this balance in the Camp Nou but didn’t have it.
"I would like to have played better and have all my best players available to me for my project. I want to congratulate my players. Congrats to Barca also, I hope they win their fifth Champions League final in Berlin."
Bayern were again missing key first-team players Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and David Alaba at the Allianz Arena. And Guardiola pointed to the absences as one of the reasons for his side’s exit, while also defending his decision to take the game to Barcelona.
"We couldn't hurt Barca at the Camp Nou, because we don't have wingers," he added.
"I’ve always thought, now that I've been knocked out of the Champions League, the only way you can stop players like that is to make them defend. But Barcelona’s third goal last week killed us."
Bale can beat Juventus for Real Madrid ... if he turns up, says Keane
By George Ankers
May 13, 2015 00:45:00
The world's most expensive player had a nightmare game as his side lost the first leg 2-1 but the former Manchester United man says that he has the talent to turn the semi-final
Gareth Bale can be Real Madrid's trump card against Juventus if he brings his A-game to the Champions League semi-final, says Roy Keane.
The Welsh forward, made the most expensive ever player by Real Madrid in 2013, was widely criticised for his performance against Massimiliano Allegri's side as Madrid lost the first leg 2-1.
Carlo Ancelotti's men need a big performance if they are to book a place in the final against Barcelona but Keane still believes that Bale can make the difference.
"There's no doubting his talent," the ex-Manchester United midfielder told ITV Sport.
"We've seen him do it before. We've seen him do it last year in the big, big games. If Gareth is at it [on Wednesday] night, then they've got a chance ... that's if he turns up. He's a top player."
Keane's old United team-mate, Paul Scholes, however, warns that the Wales international would play right into Juventus's hands if he produces more of the same.
Scholes remarked: "We just want to see him more positive. We know the talent he's got, the pace and power he possesses.
"[In the first leg], his confidence looked low. He kept whipping the ball in. It was easy for the Italian defenders. If he's like that [in the second leg], they will love that. They'll eat that up all day long.
"I'd like to see him more positive. Take his man on. Shots on goal."
The Barcelona defender is excited about a potential final against the tournament holders if Carlo Ancelotti's side can overcome Juventus
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique is hoping his side face arch-rivals Real Madrid in the Champions League final for the first time in history.
The Catalans reached the Berlin showpiece on Tuesday with a 5-3 aggregate win over Bayern Munich, while Carlo Ancelotti's side trail Juventus 2-1 ahead on Wednesday's second leg at the Bernabeu.
Barca remain in the hunt for a second treble triumph but the former Manchester United man is taking nothing for granted as they hope to seal La Liga on Sunday, should their game against Atletico Madrid not be postponed due to the upcoming strike.
"It would be very exciting to be the first to play a Champions League final against your closest rivals," he is quoted as saying by AS.
"It would be something historic. The treble would be the most beautiful. But we know that everything can change in a moment.
"We'll see if we have to play this weekend against Atletico Madrid due to the strike. Everything looks very good but we need to finish well.
"We've done everything right but we must close out the titles."
Should the Liga strike be called off, Barcelona will face Atletico at 19:00CET at the Vicente Calderon.
The Bayern Munich CEO conceded the better side had advanced from their Champions League semi-final
Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge believes Barcelona are the best team in the world after watching his side tumble out of Europe on Tuesday night.
The Bavarians beat Luis Enrique's men 3-2 at the Allianz Arena but ultimately paid the price for their 3-0 defeat at Camp Nou last week.
The West Germany legend remains proud of his side's achievements but acknowledged that Barca were the better team over two legs.
"I think we did very well as a team," he is quoted as saying by the club's official website.
"The players put up a magnificent fight and scored three goals, but unfortunately conceded two as well.
"Taking the 180 minutes as a whole Barcelona deserve to go through, but we bow out with our heads held high.
"We’ve not been able to make the final in Berlin against what’s probably the best team in the world right now.
"But we made the semi-finals, and for the fourth time in a row too, so everything’s okay."
