Bayern dominated Barcelona in every aspect in a great Champions League semi-final last night. The 4:0 victory is a big step towards the Champions League final.
Bayern’s manager Jupp Heynckes changed the starting line-up on 5 positions compared to the Hannover match on the weekend. However, most notable, Schweinsteiger and Martinez started in the middle, Lahm on the right and Gomez started up front Mandzukic. Barcelona’s Vilanova was able to select Messi after resting him against Levante.
FC Bayern started a high-intensity pressing game straight from the beginning and Robben had the first shot after just 2 minutes. His shot was saved by Valdes. Barcelona was lucky in the 15th minute when referee Kassai didn’t call a Piqué handball. However, for Bayern, this was the signal to attack and especially for Muller and Robben. Robben crossed the ball to into the box, Dante jumped higher then Piqué and converted to the 1:0 at the back post. Barcelona’s quality meant that danger was never far away, but Bayern defended well and covered a lot of ground to keep Barca away from the goal. Dante had to make a crucial tackle before half-time against Alves.
Bayern extended to lead 4 minutes after half-time when Gomez scored a header after a Robber corner. The 68.000 at the Allianz Arena witnessed a confident FC Bayern and Messi, Xavi and Iniesta were nowhere to be seen. Bayern created several other good chances through Muller (52nd), Ribery (55th) and Robben (58th). Robben scored the 3:0 after a great run against Alba. However, Muller blocked Alba which wasn’t called the referee. Muller even extended to 4:0 after he tapped in a cross from David Alaba in the 82nd minute.
Jupp Heynckes said after the game: “We’ve been playing extraordinary football all season…We defended so well and in possession we have style of play going forward. We have a lot of creativity and a lot of class and quality…The fact that we did not concede a goal was very important and the fact we scored four goals was even nicer for us.”
The second leg will take place on May 1st at the Camp Nou. Borussia Dortmund will face Real Madrid tonight in the other semi-final.
