Bayern Munich: Reliving the memorable night in Barcelona

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Barcelona’s Brazilian defender Dani Alves (L) vies with Bayern Munich’s midfielder Thomas Mueller during the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg football match FC Barcelona vs FC Bayern Munich at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on May 1, 2013. AFP PHOTO/ JAVIER SORIANO (Photo credit should read JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images) /

Match Recap

Bayern Munich and Barcelona went into the 2nd leg with an aggregate scoreline of 4-0 in favor of the Bavarians. The first leg was an absolute annihilation of Barcelona as Bayern dominated the entire match at the Allianz Arena in Munich. Bayern were the clear favorites going into the second leg. They just had to make sure Barcelona didn’t score goals and gain confidence.

From the very beginning, it was clear both teams were going for the win. The match was end-to-end with a lot of open, attacking play. Barcelona had the edge in every statistical category except the one that actually matters. The hosts had 57% possession compared to Bayern’s 43%; they completed 589 passes compared to 377; and had 15 shots in total against 8 for the away side. This was a case where one team was just more efficient with their possession and shots. (Stats courtesy: UEFA)

The first half, while incredibly exciting to watch, provided no goals for either side. Both teams attacked early and often. While Barcelona’s Lionel Messi was sidelined with a leg injury, they weren’t without firepower. With a front line of Pedro, Cesc Fabregas, and David Villa, Barcelona had enough in their arsenal to score goals. And then in the second half, Barcelona replaced a midfielder with another attacker in Alexis Sanchez. Meanwhile, Bayern’s forwards line comprised Franck Ribery, Thomas Muller, Arjen Robben, and frontman Mario Mandzukic.

The game came to life in the second half. In the 49th minute, a young David Alaba sent a long diagonal ball to Robben, who cut the ball into the box onto his favoured left foot and calmly slotted the ball into the far corner. It was a beautiful trademark Arjen Robben goal.

The second and third goals came in quick succession. After being played through by Luis Gustavo, Franck Ribery delivered a dangerous cross that was sliced into his own net by Barcelona’s Gerard Pique. The third goal was a header by Thomas Muller after Ribery made another beautiful run and delivered an enticing the ball at the far post. Die Roten had bossed both legs, coming out of it with a 7-0 aggregate score to book a place in the finals.