Champions League 2011-2012: Semi Finals Preview
Nicholas Spiller
As the Champions League tournament draws towards the final, we embrace the drama ahead with the current matchups of major European clubs. On one side of the bracket we have Chelsea set to face Barcelona. The winner will face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the final match which will take place in Munich's stadium, the Allianz Arena on May 19th.
Chelsea versus Barcelona will bring back haunting memories of the fantastic match in 2009. Barcelona won the semifinal tie that year amid alarming controversy as the referee lost total control of the match. There were penalty claims, a red card, and an incredible goal by Andres Iniesta in the dying moments which propelled Barcelona to the final on the away goals rule. Barcelona won the Champions League that year, and Chelsea fans can still recall Michael Ballack chasing and shouting at the referee as another legitimate penalty claim went uncalled.
This time around is unlikely to be as competitive. Although most of the core players of both teams still play, Chelsea's John Terry, Frank Lampard, and Didier Drogba have aged and only flash occasional moments of the greatness they once displayed every match. Alternately, Barcelona's Xavi , Iniesta, Carlos Puyol, and Lionel Messi are still in the prime of their careers. Messi, considered by most to be the best soccer player in the world, is merely 24 and could become even better.
Credit must be given to Chelsea for reaching the semifinals this year, but in actuality Barcelona is their first true test. During the knockout phase, the London club beat Napoli and Benfica; hardly the sternest test. Additionally, Chelsea is suffering in the Premier League. Their performances have been generally poor, their manager was recently fired, and they are currently embroiled in a race just to qualify for the Champions League next year. They sit an astounding 20 points behind league leaders, Manchester United. Chelsea this season is a far cry from the powerhouse they were three years ago.
Barcelona is probably the best team in the world, and some will say the best team the world has ever seen. They are contending for the title in Spain, which they have won three years in a row, and are also trying to repeat as Champions League winners. They continue to attract the best players as the recent transfers of Cesc Fabregas and David Villa display.
Chelsea is fortunate to play the first match home at Stamford Bridge, where the fans may inspire a draw. The second leg will be at the Camp Nou, and Barcelona will stroll to yet another final appearance.
Real Madrid versus Bayern Munich provides an equally intriguing semifinal. Munich will desperately want to reach the final as their home stadium provides the setting. However, they endured heartbreak from Madrid's manager, Jose Mourinho, who two seasons ago guided Inter Milan to Champions League glory in the final match over Bayern Munich.
Both clubs are soaring at the moment. Madrid sits atop the Spanish league, and Munich has not lost in over a month. Players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Arjen Robben are in top form, firing a plethora of beautiful goals from all over the pitch. I feel that Mourinho will be the pivotal character in this match-up.
Mourinho used a brilliant but painful tactic to subdue Munich in the final two years ago. He set up a fortress of eight defenders in front of his goal and dared the Germans to try and break it. While Munich threw players forward in a vain effort to make a breakthrough, Inter Milan was able to snatch two quick goals on counter-attacks to win the trophy.
I expect his Real Madrid team to play a similar style. As long as they have enough bodies behind the ball, Munich will struggle to get through. Madrid's Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil, and Angel Di Maria will have a field day with counter-attacks that will thwart Bayern Munich's Champions League hopes yet again.
Therefore, I envision an "El Clasico" final between the two Spanish super clubs. They truly are the best teams on the planet and will provide an enthralling encounter in May.
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