'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
As we head towards a couple of German-Spanish club semi finals where Bayern Munich (last year’s finalist), who recently celebrated their 23rd German title, face favourites Barcelona, and recently forced out Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund take on Real Madrid, let’s carve out some time to explore the prospect of an all-German European Champions League final next month on May 25 at Wembley stadium in London.
Some facts to start with:
* The four semi finalists feature a total of 18 titles between them.
* Both Barcelona and Real Madrid are allotted the home second leg (generally considered advantageous)
* Barcelona is seeking a third title in five years and Bayern their second successive final.
* Borussia Dortmund are on track for their first European Championship since 1997.
Barcelona’s hard-fought quarter-final victory over Paris Saint Germain showed just how dependent they are on world footballer of the year, Messi, whilst Bayern’s every player looks like is out to prove something every time he steps onto the pitch. German side Bayern Munich’s last year final appearance experience and desire to grab the slipped silverware makes them a top prospect for the finals. If they are to reach their third final in four years, Bayern will have to do so without the services of leading scorer Mandzukic, who is suspended for the first leg.
Real Madrid, the other Spanish opponent, will probably not enjoy the thought of another trip to Dortmund in this season’s Champions League. In the group stages, the German side topped the group, demolishing Real 2-1 and later earning a 2-2 draw in Madrid. Real Madrid’s 3-2 away loss to Galatasaray in the quarters was enough to set the alarm bells ringing. Not to forget Borussia Dortmund happen to be the only unbeaten side left in the competition. Real Madrid will need some all round performance from its squad apart from their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo to dispatch bitter memories of last year’s semi final loss to yet another German side, Bayern, and get hold of the European champion crown after almost a decade.
An all-German final would certainly point to a shift as to the top league in Europe, dethroning Spain and England which has held the title for best leagues and teams. The mouth-watering prospect of a Bundesliga clash at Wembley keeps its hope high and lives on. Regardless of the final fixture, these are two tempting matches and will certainly provide for absolute entertainment and offer exciting football.
