Real Madrid produced a stunning display which was eerily similar to that which saw Bayern thump Barcelona at this stage of the competeition last year.
Madrid started the game with a very attacking mentality, managing to break the deadlock with a powerful Sergio Ramos header from a Luka Modric corner after 16 minutes. Ramos was to add to Bayern’s misery only four minutes later as an exquisite delivery from Angel Di Maria was flicked on by Pepe and helped on to the head of Ramos to double the score line.
After the restart Bayern looked cagey at best, very aware of the speed of the counter attacks that Madrid were able to employ. Cristiano Ronaldo managed to shoot just wide before achieving the record breaking 15th goal in a European tournament as Benzema sent a perfect ball through to Gareth Bale, who squared it for the Portugese international for an easy finish in the 34th minute. Real Madrid were dealt a blow for an almost certain final four minutes after the goal as Xabi Alonso was yellow carded, ruling him out of the clash.
Bayern continued their usual tactic of a high attacking line in the second half; however Real Madrid seemed comfortable to soak up all of the pressure due to their four goal aggregate lead. Ancelotti’s side were still able to add another goal to their tally as Ronaldo sent a low free kick past the helpless Manuel Neuer to bring the scoreline to 4-0 and their aggregate lead to 5 goals.
In the other semi-final Chelsea came up against high flying Atletico Madrid. Mourinho’s team travelled to Spain for the first leg; where they opted to set a defensive mindset which resulted in a dominating performance from Atletico who boasted 62% possession & 26 attempts on goal.
Diego Costa seemed anxious to make up for missing his side’s last game against Barcelona as he entertained the
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crowd with impressive skill before setting Diego up to miss the first chance of the game. Having achieved 17 wins in their previous 18 games, Atletico continued to press, determined to continue their winning streak. Efforts from Diego, Gabi, Garcia and Turan all failed to hit the back of the net. Chances for Chelsea to test the hosts were few and far between, only Lampard’s long range effort really testing on loan goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The first leg ended goalless with it all to play for in the return fixture at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea came into the return leg full brimming with confidence after their win over title rivals Liverpool the previous weekend. However Atletico were quick to capitalise on Chelsea’s injury list (both Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel were missing). The Spanish side were allowed to play with freedom and applied pressure to Chelsea, with goal scoring chances from Koke and Diego Costa narrowly missing the net. Yet it was Chelsea who opened the scoring as Fernando Torres slotted home after some fantastic play from Willian and Azpilicueta to score against his former club.
Minutes later though Atletico equalised, following Terry and Cole’s failed attempts to clear a pass, Adrian drew the two sides’ level. Atletico showed more promise after the restart, a chance from Arda Turan was palmed away by Mark Schwarzer, but their 2nd goal was not far away, with Samuel Eto’o fouling Costa in the area to give away a penalty, just six minutes after he was brought on. The striker converted the penalty to put his side ahead & leave Chelsea needing 2. David Luiz almost brought the home side level soon after but his header smashed against the woodwork. At the other end, Juanfran was able to deliver an assist to Turan, who first headed against the bar but finished the rebound to round off Chelsea’s misery and book a place in their first European champions competition in 40 years.
So with the conclusion of what has been a fascinating and rather unpredictable knock-out stage of this year’s Champions League the stage is set for the 2014 final.A Madrid derby wouldn’t have been atop of many people’s predictions at the start of the season yet they not many would argue that they have been by far and away the best teams during this years campaign. In what will no doubt be a fiery encounter Ronaldo, Bale & Co will be looking to clinch Real their tenth European title and first since 2002…meanwhile city neighbours Atletico will be seeking a first ever UEFA Champions League title; and they will need all of their resilence and defensive prowess if they are to continue what has been a superb year for the club. Bring on the final!
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