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With the quarter finals done and dusted, the Champions league, deservedly so, lies in the hands of either of the Spanish or German giants. All the four teams, from Blaugrana to Borussia have shown time and again that they hold the mettle to be in the final four, and any of the draws would have led to an excellent semifinal showing. So does this one.
The Bavarians are arguably the most competent team to win it, given the current form, confidence and fitness levels. But given the history of the competition and the quality of the four teams, the winner is anybody’s guess. Either of the Germans are yet to lose to any Spanish opposition this season so far and it would be interesting to see how Barcelona and Real Madrid turn up in Germany for the first legs of the competition.
Real Madrid Vs. Borussia Dortmund
Real might not have won the return leg against Galatasaray but their superiority over their opponents was easily reflected at the Bernabeu where they won 3-0. On the other hand, Borussia were just able to scrape through against Malaga courtesy of the two injury time goals. However, they are the only team to remain unbeaten in the competition, even after facing the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City, Shakhtar Donetsk, Ajax and Malaga. Both teams stand a distant second in the respective leagues, and will have some attention towards not losing that position to the teams below them. The fighting spirit and the excellent fan support of Dortmund would be key factors for them, while Mourinho’s vast Champions league experience and talent in general combined with Ronaldo’s goalscoring abilities would be vital for Real Madrid.
- Real attack vs. Dortmund defence
The only constant threat in Real’s attack right now is Ronaldo. Di Maria and Higuain have been excellent when they turn up, while Benzema is unreliable in front of goal to say the least. Dortmund’s defense in Hummels, Subotic have been good but not excellent but they have shown in the group stages that they have what it takes to stop the Real attacks.
Verdict: Real Madrid overall
- Dortmund attack vs. Real defence
In Lewandowski, Gotze and Reus, Dortmund have a talented trio who can terrorize any given defence. Even with Varane’s excellence, Arbeloa’s absence from first leg and Mourinho’s stubbornness to not play Casillas is sure to affect this battle, atleast in the first leg. Hopefully, by the 2nd leg, Casillas would be fully fit and regularly playing again.
Verdict: Dortmund in the first leg, Real in the second leg.
- Midfields
Dortmund have a very under-rated midfield but still the quality of likes of Alonso, Ozil, Modric, Khedira should be enough to overpower Dortmund overall.
Verdict: Real Madrid
Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich
Barcelona weren’t going to and didn’t have an easy time against PSG and it took playing an injured Messi to get ahead in the competition. However, he is going to be quite fit for the semi-finals. Bayern on the other hand trampled over a much-appreciated Juventus side with comfortable 2-0 wins in both the legs. They have the best offense and defense in the Bundesliga by miles and have lost just one match this year, against Arsenal, and just three across all competitions this season. Bayern have already won Bundesliga while Barca have virtually won La Liga too. This means both teams would surely go all guns blazing in the Champions League, and expect fireworks all over for sure. Heynckes has managed Real back in the day and having won the league, has the experience and the knowledge of playing against them.
- Bayern attack vs. Barca Defence
With the likes of Robben, Ribery, Mandzukic, Gomez, Muller, Kroos, etc. Bayern boast one of the best attacking forces in the footballing world. Barcelona’s defense on the other hand, have their problems with Mascherano, Puyol and Abidal returning from injuries, Adriano suspended and the occasional unreliability of Valdes. This battle is surely one for Bayern and one can expect goals from the Bavarians. One silver lining for Blaugrana is the suspension of the impressive Mandzukic for the first leg at Allianz Arena.
Verdict- Bayern Munich
- Barca attack vs. Bayern Defence
While Bayern have a very commanding defence, they have shown time and again the very few frailties they have have but still Barca will expect no favours from them. Neuer, like last year against Real in the Semi-finals, has shown his quality consistently. But the excellence of Messi, Fabregas, Pedro and Villa would make life of the Bavarian defenders very troubling and this is a battle definitely worth watching.
Verdict- Tie
- Midfields
Quality of Iniesta, Xavi, Busquets is sure to overpower the Bayern midfield and this is one area where Barcelona have to dominate to stand a chance.
Verdict- Barcelona
OVERALL VERDICT:
Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund: Real through 3-2 (2-1 and 2-0)
Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich: Bayern through on penalties (4-2) after 3-3 draw (2-1 and 2-1)
