Vienna (pts012/16.04.2013/10:15) – The draw for the 2013 Champions League semi-final brought two German-Spanish duels and thus still intact chances for a historically unique all-German Champions League final. While FC Bayern Munich now has to compare itself with FC Barcelona in the semi-final, the Dortmund Borussen meet with Real Madrid on a well-known opponent – after all, the Royals from the Spanish capital were already one of BVB’s opponents in this year’s group phase and drew the shorter in the sum of the two encounters against the Dortmunders.
The 8. April 2009 was a black day in the history of FC Bayern Munich. Exactly four years ago, the record champion in Camp Nou took a real beating. With 4:0 FC Barcelona shot Bayern from the then quarterfinals of the Champions League. Never before had the German record champion in the premier class been so demonstrated. The debacle heralded the end of the short Klinsmann episode on Säbener Straße, after which they decided against further experiments and for a massive investment in new players.
Four years after the debacle: Bavaria now on par with Barcelona
Four years later, the duel with the Catalans takes place under different conditions. Today FC Bayern is probably stronger than ever and should also be ready for the crown of the Champions League. It seems to be exactly the right time to compete with FC Barcelona again, after all, the team of recent years already revealed one or the other weakness this season. For example, in the 0:2 defeat in the away game against AC Milan, which could be more than compensated by a convincing 4:0 in the home game.
But also in the quarterfinals, the superior leader of the Spanish Primera Division acted anything but overpowering: against Paris St. Germain, the promotion to the semi-finals was only due to the away goal rule. In the second leg you were even shortly before the end after the 0:1 back against the French, before the slightly injured Messi gave the game in the final phase a turn and with the assist to the equalizing goal of Rodriguez personally sealed the somewhat flattering climb against the over 180 minutes almost equal French.
Munich has respect, but not fear of Messi and Co.
The club management and the players are looking forward to the semi-final duel with the Catalans (23 April and 1 May respectively), but no one wanted to speak of a revenge for the humiliation of 2009, too much respect for Messi and Co. The bookmakers now see both teams almost at eye level and are struggling to show a clear tendency in the betting odds. Barca is considered an easy favorite for the final and the Champions League title. Bayern are trusted in the betting offices but at least the victory in the first leg in the domestic Allianz Arena.
Note: all bets and odds for the Champions League semi-final can be found at http://www.sportwettentest.net/champions-league-wetten .
The greater motivation and the stronger will to win could be the decisive factor in this duel of giants. After the last two final defeats, the Munichers burn for the title in the premier class. FC Barcelona, on the other hand, recently seemed a bit tired and exhausted. After several national and international titles, it seems that many players are missing the very last bite.
The dependence on Messi makes the Catalans predictable. More and more opponents have recently been able to adjust to the dominant short-pass orgies in the typical game of Barca. The key to success for Bayern is certainly to take the world footballer of recent years out of the game as best as possible. Without a big Messi FC Barcelona can be beaten in any case.
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Outsider: Sportfreunde Informationsdienste GmbH
Contact person: Mag. Daniela Machowetz
Email: daniela@sportfreunde-info.com