Bayern Munich Crushed By Real Madrid 4-0 In UEFA Champions League Semifinal
Real Madrid came one step closer to claiming its 10th UEFA Champions League title when it crushed Bayern Munich 4-0 in the second-leg semifinal at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday. They now await the winner of the other semi between La Liga rivals Atlético Madrid or Premier League’s Chelsea.
On paper, Real had the strongest team, but it is hard to dismiss a club of Bayern’s caliber, much less think that they were going to get blown away at home. However, that is exactly what happened in Munich. Sergio Ramos scored in the 15th and 19th minutes and Cristiano Ronaldo followed suit in the 35th and 90th to seal the deal.
Last Wednesday’s 1-0 Madrid’s victory would turn out to be a precursor of today’s “goleada” which could have actually been higher. “Los Blancos” were on a mission, or should we say, several missions.
First and foremost, Real Madrid wanted to reach their first Champions League final in 12-years and get a chance to play for a 10th title, more than any other team in history.
Secondly, Cristiano Ronaldo was on a quest to become the highest scoring player in a Champions League season with 16 goals — surpassing Lionel Messi — and he still has one game to play.
Cristiano Ronaldo eclipses Lionel Messi to become the Champions League’s highest-ever goalscorer in a single s… http://t.co/2LIzzcXXZl
— Barclays PL News (@BarclaysLeague) April 30, 2014
Pep Guardiola after Cristiano Ronaldo scored Real Madrid’s 4th goal: pic.twitter.com/kyXpAuVTGH
— #APorLaDecima (@WeAreMadrid10) April 30, 2014
Last but not least, Real Madrid got its revenge from their heartbreaking defeat against Bayern Munich two years ago, when they reached the final only to lose by penalty kicks, the worst possible outcome in any competition.
Bayern was uncharacteristically weak and Carlo Ancelotti’s men took complete advantage of the situation, with the famous BBC — Bale, Benzema, Cristiano — back in form after a-not-so stellar match last Wednesday at the Bernabeu.
This marks the first time since 2007 that either Bayern Munich and Manchester United — who recently sacked manager David Moyes — will not be in the Final.
Bayern Munich is the reigning champion and will not get a chance to defend their title, thanks to Real Madrid. Pep Guardiola admitted his team just made too many mistakes:
“If you don’t play well and you defend set-pieces badly, that’s just how it is.”
“We are playing at the highest level in Europe, and such mistakes are punished right away. Bayern are a big side. I will try to lift the players again.”
In summary, an extremely disappointing night for the Germans, sent home packing with an aggregate of 5-0 by the Spanish team, who will move on, oh-so-close to that 10th elusive Champions League.
Bayern Munich legendary striker Franz Beckenbauer said it best, “There are those days where nothing works out for you and everything the opponent does works out for them. This was one of those days. Congratulations to Real Madrid, they played very well today and absolutely deserve their place in the final.”
[Images via Bing and Twitter]
