Barcelona 0-3 Bayern Munich (Agg 0-7)
Bayern Munich pulled off an impressive and destructive display to knock Barcelona out of the Champions League by the biggest semi-final aggregate win in history.
Bayern who wanted to avenge the loss to Chelsea in last year’s final looked a side possessed, after winning the first leg 4-0, Bayern brushed Barcelona aside at the Nou Camp. The hosts decide to leave their top scorer and inspirational Messi on the bench and this costed them on the night with both Lahm and Robben allowed too much space.
Barca took around 23 minutes to finally get a shot in on Neuer, Pedro’s effort was tipped over. Bayern mainly hit on the counter, Robben seeing his effort charged down by Valdes. Xavi normally so composed, fired high and wide to conclude the first half. Barcelona were struggling to break down a compact, organised Bayern who would pounce on any little mistake from the hosts and then sit back when they didn’t have the ball.
Barcelona needed 5 in the second half, most fans simply stayed for the spectacle and had already surrended to the fact that Bayern were already through. Bayern on the other hand wanted to win and this was visible on the pitch…they took the lead on 48 minutes, Arjen Robben was picked out by David Alaba on the far side and the Dutchman traditionally cut inside and curled an effort into the top corner. It got even better for the visitors on 72 minutes when Frank Ribery’s cross was lashed into his own net by Pique.
Bayern then made it 3 thanks to Thomas Mueller’s header after a lovely cross by Ribery. Full time arrived and the Barca fans were quick to leave, Bayern completing a 7-0 aggregate victory over the Catalan giants with a ruthless display of counter-attacking football.
Bayern Munich now meet fellow German side and rivals Borussia Dortmund in the final on May 25th at Wembley. This result has really emphasised a power shift in European football. It’s an all German Champions League Final and what a fantastic occasion it will be not only for the competition but for Germany as a nation.