A look at this year’s Champions League semi-finalists
The UEFA Champions League trophy is displayed during the semi-final draw at the UEFA headquarters on April 12, 2013 in Nyon, Switzerland. (Getty Images)
Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona are the final four out of the 32 teams that qualified for the group stage of the UEFA Champions League. Borussia Dortmund replace Chelsea if you take last season’s semi-finalists into context. Real, Barca and Bayern have been consistent over the last two seasons and their qualification to the semis is testament to the fact that the pendulum has swung.
English teams were left to lick their wounds as none got past the last 16, even though Arsenal left with pride and Manchester United were denied entry into the quarters, amid Nani’s controversial sending off.
It is important to note here that the last teams standing fully merit their places. Dortmund staggered into the semi-finals with a last gasp revival v Malaga – a game marred by controversy. Bayern annihilated Juventus home and away, Real Madrid sorted Galatasaray out, 5-3 on aggregate, while Barcelona sent PSG packing on the away goals rule.
Let’s find out what all the teams possess in their arsenal.
The ‘FAB 4? of European football by all standards this season will slug it out for the chance to line up in Wembley for this year’s final. All four teams have equal chances of hoisting the most coveted trophy in European club football.
Semi-final Line-up:
Last year’s beaten finalists Bayern Munich, who have already secured the Bundesliga title, take on Spanish league leaders Barcelona.
In the other match, Borussia Dortmund will play Real Madrid. The first leg matches will be played on April 23 and 24, with the return games on April 30 and May 1.
Real Madrid
‘La Decima’ is the aim and once again, Jose Mourinho has qualified for the semi-finals of the Champions League for the 3rd straight year. A fantastic achievement worthy of praise. This time however, failure to at least reach the final will be seen as a major letdown by all those associated with the Capital club. Cristiano Ronaldo has once again carried the team on his shoulders. His 11 Champions league goals is the highest he has ever scored in this competition.
He is the 3rd player ever to score 10+ goals in consecutive seasons after Lionel Messi and Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos sat out the 3-2 defeat at the Turk Telekom Arena through suspension, but are expected to return for the double header vs. Dortmund. Real Madrid know all about these three teams.
Dortmund have been successful against the Merengues and the Borussens won one, drew one in the Group Stages of this season’s campaign.
UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino and Ruud van Nistelrooy proceed to the UEFA Champions League semi-final draw at the UEFA headquarters on April 12, 2013 in Nyon, Switzerland. (Getty Images)
Borussia Dortmund
Jurgen Klopp is trying to make up for what has been an appalling season for the Schwarzgelben. They relinquished the Bundesliga crown to Bayern Munich last weekend in what has become the fastest time the German League trophy has been won. Being 20 points behind Bayern and eliminated by the team in the DFB POKAL is a terrible pill to swallow.
They have switched attention to the Champions League and were within 3 minutes of bidding farewell to the tournament until a stroke of luck and some astonishing decisions sent Pellegrini’s Malaga packing. Mario Gotze and Marco ‘Rolls’ Reus are elated to say the least.
A shot at ultimate glory is two steps away and they are determined to give it their all. Robert Lewandowski scored his 6th UCL goal in the Malaga game. The man who has scored in ten consecutive League games is the main attacking threat for the 2nd placed team in the German top flight.
But they have their work cut out, and will have to be on top from if they want to get anything from the tie against Mou’s men.
Bayern Munich
No one will doubt Die Roten’s title credentials. The 23-time German Champions have been almost impeccable this season. In the year 2013, only Arsenal have won against them. The dismissal of Juventus sent a clear statement to other aspiring winners that the Munich based club want their 5th European trophy at all costs.
The bitter taste of last year’s defeat in their own home is still in the mouths of all those connected to the Bavarian outfit. Anything but a win will be seen as a step backwards. Jupp Heynckes lost all three trophies last season and wants to make amends. One is in the wraps, the other two are within sight.
Bastian Schweinsteiger proved yet again that he can mix it up with the best deep-lying playmakers in the world when he kept Andrea Pirlo quiet for much of the game. He himself was phenomenal throughout. Mario Mandzukic will not be available for the 1st leg of the semi-final against Barcelona after he picked up a needless booking in. Mario Gomez or Claudio Pizarro will take his place. The latter has scored 5 goals in his last three games in all competitions.
They’re a definite threat and favorites to win the cup.
Barcelona
The best team in the world were saved from elimination by a Pedro pile driver after the introduction of 4-time Ballon D’or winner, Lionel Messi. El Pulga’s entry into the field of play galvanized the Blaugrana and it was no surprise when Barca scored barely minutes after his arrival. He is on eight goals (3 behind Ronaldo). It will take the bravest of men to bet against him winning the Ballon d’Or for the 5th straight year anyways. He is the highest goal scorer in League play anywhere in the world with 43 La Liga goals.
Andres Iniesta is the most skillful footballer in the world in my opinion. If Barca are to go all the way, Iniesta yet again must come good in both legs vs. Bayern.
Barcelona are 2nd favourites after Bayern to win the competition. The Catalans defence is very shaky and that could be their greatest downfall against the formidable Germans.