Barcelona welcomed Bayern Munich in the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday needing to overturn a 4-0 deficit from the first leg.
It was Bayern that created most of the opportunities in the first period, but neither side could open the scoring as their four-goal lead remained intact.
Bayern had the lead early in the second half, however, when Arjen Robben moved into the box before curling an effort into the top corner.
Barcelona attempted to respond in the latter stages, but it was Bayern who added their second and then third late on courtesy of a Gerard Pique own goal and a header from Thomas Muller.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Well, it is Germany 1 Spain 0 following last night’s result. Will Bayern set up an all-German final at Wembley next month? Or can Barcelona produce one of the biggest European comebacks of all time? Only one thing is certain this evening, it will not be a dull encounter at the Camp Nou. Right, the team news is just filtering through.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: No Lionel Messi for the home side this evening, with the Argentine striker named on the bench. Adriano comes into the team in place of the suspended Jordi Alba, while Alex Song and David Villa also start. Two changes from the first leg for Bayern, meanwhile, with Daniel van Buyton and Mario Mandzukic coming into the side in place of Dante and Mario Gomez. Full teams to follow.
TEAMS:
BARCELONA: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Bartra, Adriano; Song, Xavi, Iniesta; Pedro, Fabregas, Villa
BAYERN: Neuer; Lahm, Boateng, Van Buyten, Alaba; Schweinsteiger, Martinez; Robben, Muller, Ribery; Mandzukic
So there we have it. Not too difficult to spot the main team news this evening with Messi missing out. That is an indication of just how unfit the Argentine was in the first leg. In truth, he has been struggling for weeks. Cesc Fabregas has been given the 'Messi role' this evening. Not too many surprises in a strong Bayern team, although Van Buyten is a surprise starter. What a boost for the German outfit some 50 minutes before kickoff at the Camp Nou.
The fact that Bayern secured a first-leg lead last week was not a surprise based on their performances this season, but no-one could have predicted the margin of victory. It took until the 25th minute for the home side to open the scoring. In truth, they did not look back as Mario Gomez, Arjen Robben and another from Muller secured a 4-0 victory. It was a quite extraordinary night in the Allianz Arena.
Barcelona have certainly not enjoyed recent matches against Bayern Munich, having won just one of their last seven competitive matches with the German outfit, losing four times in the process. However, the last time they welcomed Bayern to this stadium in April 2009 the score was indeed 4-0 to the Spanish heavyweights. Can they repeat that feat this evening?
The home side have also won just one of their last six Champions League matches, drawing three times and losing twice. To take that a step further, they have managed just one victory in their last seven knockout games in the competition, although that was a 4-0 win over AC Milan in the last-16 stage. There appears to be a common 4-0 theme developing here.
Despite their struggles in recent months, they have won their last 10 home games against German visitors. Meanwhile, their overall home record against German teams in the Champions League is won 19, drawn one and lost six. In addition, the Catalan outfit are unbeaten in their last 21 Champions League matches on their own patch.
How about this for a statistic? Barcelona’s last three home games against German opposition in the knockout stages of the Champions League have all seen the Spanish side win by at least four goals. They beat Bayern 4-0 in April 2009, Stuttgart 4-0 in March 2011 and thumped Bayer Leverkusen 7-1 in March 2012. They couldn't, could they?!
Quite remarkably, Barcelona have reached the semi-finals of the Champions League for the last six seasons, which is a European record. Bayern, meanwhile, have an equally impressive record having reached the final four in three of the last four seasons. If the German outfit advance this evening, it will also be their third European final in four seasons.
If Barcelona’s recent Champions League record is patchy, Bayern’s is sensational. The German outfit have won each of their last three matches in this competition without conceding a single goal. Meanwhile, they have registered 26 goals this season, easily the best record in the Champions League.
What’s more, Bayern are on a 17-match winning run away from home in all competitions. Although, their away record against Spanish opposition is fairly patchy with five wins, five draws and 10 defeats from 20 fixtures in Spain. However, the fact of the matter is that they can lose 3-0 this evening and still advance to the final next month.
Right, let’s take a look at how each side has fared in the competition thus far, starting with Barcelona. The Catalan outfit topped a section that included Celtic, Benfica and Spartak Moscow. They won four of their six matches, drawing once and losing the other. They scored 11 goals in those six matches, while they conceded five times. The surprise defeat came against Celtic in Scotland, where they were beaten despite having around 80% of the possession.
AC Milan waited in the last-16 stage of the tournament, and it did appear that they would exit the competition having lost the first leg 2-0 in Italy. However, the Spanish outfit responded in style to win the second leg 4-0 and therefore advance 4-2 on aggregate. PSG came next, but a 1-1 draw in the Camp Nou ensured their progress.
Bayern, meanwhile, topped Group F ahead of Valencia having registered 13 points from their six matches, they finished level on points with the Spanish outfit, but their superior goal difference of plus eight saw them advance as group winners. They then overcome Arsenal in the last-16 stage despite losing the second leg at home.
Juventus awaited in the quarter-finals, with many selecting the Italian outfit as the dark horses for the competition. However, in truth, the Old Lady provided little competition for a Bayern side that powered their way into the semi-finals. They have been unstoppable in both Europe and in Germany this season.
What about domestic form? Barcelona have had their struggles in recent weeks, but it has been a very impressive campaign for the Catalan outfit. Having lost the title to Real Madrid last season, they are well on their way to reclaiming the crown. As it stands, they are 11 points clear at the top of La Liga with five matches remaining. It is all but over.
Meanwhile, it has been a simply stunning Bundesliga campaign for Bayern. They have already secured the league crown, while they currently sit 20 points clear of Borussia Dortmund with four matches remaining. They have won an incredible 27 of their 31 games, drawing three times and losing just once. It is hard not to be impressed by their exploits this season.
Right, we are just about five minutes from kickoff, which can only mean one thing, time for my pre-match prediction. In my opinion, without Messi, Barcelona face an impossible task to turn this tie around. I also think they face a tough task to win on the evening, such is the strength of this Bayern side. I am backing a 2-2 draw with Bayern advancing courtesy of a 6-2 aggregate score.
Here we go then, both sets of players join us on the pitch as that wonderful Champions League tune erupts around this famous stadium. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Can Barcelona produce the unthinkable? Be sure to remain with us as all the action unfolds.
Just a reminder of the main team news this evening. No Messi, Alba or Busquets for the home side, with Adriano, Song and Fabregas all coming into the team. Bayern, meanwhile, prefer Van Buyten and Mandzukic to Gomez and Dante. Right, the away side get the action underway on this famous night of European football.
Just a reminder that Barcelona need to score at least four times this evening to have a chance of securing a spot in the final. It has been a fabulous day in Barcelona, perfect for a game of football. Ribery attempts to find Muller with a early threaded pass, but the German was offside. Bright start from the German outfit who have not allowed the home side to settle.
It's good work from the away side once more as Mandzukic collects a pass from Robben before advancing down the right, but he loses control at the vital moment, with Alves across to clear. No sign of the normal Barcelona that immediately take charge of each match they play. It is the Germans that have started to pass and probe in the opposing half.
Half-chance for the away side as Muller collects possession in the Barcelona half before feeding Mandzukic, but Alves is across to clear. The Brazilian appears to pass it back to his goalkeeper, but Valdes takes the decision to collect. Already suggestions that Bayern will attempt to put this game to bed with a goal of their own. Six minutes on the clock at the Camp Nou.
Safe to say that a certain Argentine does not look too happy on the bench at the moment. If he isn't playing this evening, then he has to be really struggling. Just a few challenges for the referee to deal with in the last couple of moments with Lahm and Song both throwing their weight around. Still no real chances, but Barcelona are starting to see more of the ball with Xavi and Iniesta.
It's good work from Fabregas as the Spaniard combines with Song before feeding Villa, but Boateng is across to clear at the vital moment. Bayern are on the attack moments later as Lahm drives into the box, but his effort is straight at Adriano, who is across to clear. A free kick is fired into the box by Schweinsteiger moments later, but Muller heads wide.
Half-chance for Barcelona this time as Bartra meets a cross from Xavi, but his header was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Fabulous atmosphere inside the stadium this evening, but the supporters really want that early goal. The home side almost look overawed by this wonderful Bayern team at the moment. They are just so composed on the ball. Still no real chances for either side with 12 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the away side as Robben beats the offside trap before driving into the box, but his low effort is straight at the goalkeeper. A mistake from Boateng allows Barcelona a corner down the other end, but Xavi's delivery is cleared by Boateng. It is just starting to open up with both sides on the attack.
There is so much space for Bayern at the moment as Robben once more collects possession before finding Muller in the box, but Song is across to perform his defensive work. Fabregas forces the issue down the other end as he finds Pedro before sliding in Villa, but Neuer manages to gather. Suddenly both sides are attempting to force the issue as Alves's low cross is cleared by Lahm.
Again it's wonderful work from Ribery as the Frenchman drives down the left, but Alves fells the winger just outside the box. Once more the free kick is taken on by Schweinsteiger, but the flag is up as Robben attempts to find an effort on goal. Meanwhile, it is the Bayern fans that can be heard as we enter the 18th minute of proceedings at the Camp Nou.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, although Barcelona are enjoying more of the possession. There is always a threat on the break, however, with Bayern not afraid to collect players forward. Lahm wants a penalty as he moves into the box, but the referee says that Pique won the ball. Matter of inches there. There is just something missing from this Barcelona side, well aside from Messi of course.
Fabregas has possession once more as he collects a pass from Song, but Boateng is across to make the clearance. Bayern are once more on the attack moments later as Robben feeds Ribery, but Pique is on hand to make the challenge. Valdes is called into action moments later to deal with a Martinez pass, but the Spanish goalkeeper is on hand to make the clearance.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in the opposing half. In truth, Barcelona have not once looked like scoring in the opening 25 minutes, they need to score at least four times to have a chance of making the final. Even then, it is difficult to see Bayern not scoring as they continue to attack on the counter.
Half-chance for the home side as Pedro collects possession outside the box before striking an effort towards goal, but Neuer is on hand to make the save. Pedro has another go from the resulting corner, but Martinez is on hand to make the block. This period of pressure has just brought Heynckes to his feet.
Again Valdes is called into action as he is forced to deal with a back-pass from Pique, but the Spaniard does manage to clear under pressure from Muller. Bayern are certainly getting closer on the counter attack. Busquets sometimes does not get the credit he deserves, but Barcelona miss him when he isn't playing. Half-chance for Xavi moments later, but he can only volley over the bar.
Again Robben is involved down the right as he cuts inside the box before driving past Pique, but the Spaniard does manage to get a toe on the ball at the vital moment. Barcelona attempt to break down the other end with Xavi, but once more his pass goes astray. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining at the Camp Nou. Bayern remain 4-0 ahead on aggregate.
Again it's good movement from the away side as Robben attempts to feed Muller, but Song is back to challenge at the vital moment. Barcelona attempt to cut through the Bayern midfield with Iniesta, but once more he cannot find a teammate. Fabregas does come close moments later, but Neuer manages to collect at the vital moment.
First booking of the match is for Robben as the Dutch winger dives into a challenge with Song. The former Arsenal midfielder has been the pick of the Barcelona players thus far this evening. Well, Bayern may not have scored, but their four-goal lead remains in tact. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining. Bayern are well on their way here.
Half-chance for the home side as Iniesta collects possession outside the box before moving past Martinez, but his final effort is blocked by Lahm, with Pedro screaming for the ball on the right. Pedro is involved down the left moments later, but Van Buyten is on hand to make the clearance.
Another half-chance for the away side as Robben drives into the Barcelona box before striking an effort towards goal, but once more Song is across to make the challenge. There is no question that there are goals in this match for the German outfit. Iniesta attempts to go alone down the other end, but Martinez is across to win the free kick.
Good spell for Bayern in the last couple of moments as they continue to force high balls into the box, but Pique and Song have both been impressive thus far. We have not seen much from Villa and Fabregas down the other end, however, with the away side so tight and compact in defence. Little under five minutes of the first period remaining. Bayern's four-goal lead remains intact.
Half-chance for the home side once more as Adriano strikes an effort from outside the box, but Neuer was comfortable dealing with the danger. Pedro has another opportunity moments later after collecting a cross from Fabregas, but Boateng is across to clear. Moments later Alves finds a deep cross into the box, but Neuer collects.
Slightly subdued atmosphere in the latter stages of the first period as Barcelona continue to lose possession in the final third. Pedro attempts to force a low cross into the box, but he can only find the side netting. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute as Alves is booked for a late challenge on Schweinsteiger.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 0-0 Bayern Munich
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. It looked to be the impossible task for Barcelona at the start of play, which it has indeed proved to be. In truth, the home side have never looked like scoring despite a couple of half-chances. Bayern, however, could have had a couple on the counter.
STATISTICS: Barcelona have had more of the possession with 59%, while they have had six attempts. Quite remarkably, Bayern have failed to test Valdes in the first period, with the majority of their close-range efforts being blocked by a defender. Just a reminder that the winner of this tie will face Borussia Dortmund in the final, who overcame Real Madrid last time out.
BENCH WATCH: Barcelona have a certain Argentine on the bench, along with goalkeeper Jose Pinto, Alexis Sanchez, Thiago, Jonathan Dos Santos, Martin Montoya and Cristian Tello. There are certainly goals in that list of players. Meanwhile, Bayern have goalkeeper Tom Starke, Dante, Xherdan Shaqiri, Rafinha, Luis Gustavo, Mario Gomez and Anatoliy Tymoshchuk in reserve.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. No changes for either side at the break. Just a reminder that only a 4-0 home win would take this into extra time. A German goal would leave Barcelona needing to score six times. Right, the home side get the half underway.
Bright start to the half from the home side with Song, Iniesta and Xavi enjoying possession of the ball. Eventually Xavi has it down the right, but Alaba is across to press. I suspect we could see Messi introduced within the next 15 minutes or so. Surely Barcelona cannot pull this off without their main man?
Bayern threaten on the counter attack once more as Muller collects possession before attempting to feed Robben, but Song is across to make the challenge. Bayern again threaten with a free kick in the dangerous area, but Schweinsteiger's set piece is collected by Valdes, who attempts to release Villa on the counter.
GOAL! Barcelona 0-1 Bayern (Robben)
Stunning, just stunning from Robben. It's wonderful from Alaba as the left-back finds Robben on the right, the winger steps inside before curling an effort into the top corner. That is game, set and match. Bayern are all but in the Champions League final.
Barcelona now need to score six times if they are to make it through this evening. Adriano attempts to force the issue as he delivers a high cross into the box, but Boateng is on hand to make the challenge. Xavi is down the left moments later, but again it is wonderful defensive work from Ribery, who is across to clear the danger.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Villa collects possession outside the box before striking an effort on goal, but Martinez is back to make the challenge. Hardly time to take a breath at the moment as Robben threatens down the other end, but he loses possession before Villa strikes one wide of the post.
Who could have predicted that Bayern would be 5-0 ahead at this stage of the semi-final tie? It really is quite extraordinary. It is the away supporters that can be heard at the moment with little over 35 minutes of football remaining. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with the home side guilty of a couple of late challenges.
CHANCE! Another opportunity on the counter for the away side as Ribery finds Robben in the box, but the Dutchman can only clip his effort wide of the post. Meanwhile, Barcelona make their first change of the match as Xavi is replaced by Alexis Sanchez. Still no Messi, I doubt whether we will now see the Argentine this evening.
Barcelona attempt to force the issue moments later as Alves fires a low cross into the box, but Van Buyten is across to make the clearance. Ribery attempts to break down the other end, but the Frenchman has his pocket picked by Song. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and Barcelona need to score at least six times. Likely? Never.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. Again Iniesta has possession outside the box, but again Boateng makes the challenge. There is no question that there are more goals in this match, but Bayern look just as likely. Plenty of time for more drama at the Camp Nou.
Another half-chance for the away side as Alaba strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. Barcelona continue to enjoy possession in the Bayern half, but they just cannot find room behind this incredible defence. It appears that Thiago will soon join us as Barcelona's second change of the evening.
Another half-chance for the home side as Sanchez picks the pocket of Alaba before firing a low cross into the box, but Boateng is across to clear. Second change of the night for Barcelona moments later as Thiago replaces Iniesta. I think the fact that we have not seen Messi is the clearest indication that even Vilanova knows that this match is over. Little under 25 minutes of football remaining.
Bayern make their first change of the evening as Luis Gustavo replaces Schweinsteiger, who has just been stunning. The German was a booking away from missing the final, but has come through unscathed. No lack of trying from Barcelona in the last couple of moments, but they just cannot get the ball. Fabregas does collect moments later, but Ribery is once more on hand to clear the danger.
Barcelona continue to pass and probe outside the Bayern box, but they just cannot force the issue in the final third. Pique attempts to threaten with a strike from outside the box, but Martinez is on hand to make the block. There has been no real onslaught from the Spanish outfit at any point during this match. But credit must be given to Bayern for that.
What an incredible occasion it will be at Wembley when Bayern and Dortmund face off in the Champions League final. What a night for German football. Robben almost grabs his second down the other end, but he is quelled by a fine challenge from Pique. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining as Pedro strikes straight at the goalkeeper.
GOAL! Barcelona 0-2 Bayern Munich (OG Pique)
Bayern have their second of the evening as Ribery fires a low cross into the box, with Pique only able to smash into his own net. That just about sums up their evening. Now Barcelona need to score seven times in the last 15 minutes or so.
Half-chance for the home side moments later as Villa meets a cross from Alves, but his header is over the crossbar. Meanwhile, Bayern make their second change of the match as Martinez is replaced by Tymoshchuk. The Spanish midfielder was another in danger of missing the final.
GOAL! Barcelona 0-3 Bayern (Muller)
Oh my good grief. Take this in, because you will never see anything like this from a Barcelona team again. Bayern have their third of the night as Muller heads a Ribery cross into the back of the net. Meanwhile, Lahm is replaced by Rafinha for the final 10 minutes or so.
Barcelona just want this match to end at the moment as Pique dives into a dangerous challenge with Robben. His frustration grows as he walks over to the linesman. It was not a good challenge from the former Manchester United defender. This could get worse for the Spanish outfit in the latter stages.
Really scrappy match at the moment with Barcelona diving into challenge after challenge. It does seem strange that Messi did not start this evening. It is obvious to see why he did not come on when the Spanish outfit conceded the first goal, but why not start him? The La Liga season is over.
Barcelona continue to keep possession in their own half, but still they cannot find a way through this stern Bayern defence. The stadium is now emptying as the Barcelona supporters make their way towards the exits. How will the Spanish outfit respond next season? I am certain that they will.
Nasty clash of heads between Thiago and Van Buyten leaves the Spaniard on the ground, but he does return to his deet following a period of treatment. In truth, everyone inside this stadium just wants this game to end. Bayern already have their sights set on the final. Well, unless Barcelona score eight times in the next four minutes or so?!
Villa has a half-chance as he collects possession outside the box before curling an effort towards goal, but Neuer was always comfortable claiming the danger. Not too much from the away side in the last few minutes, but they will not mind with their seven-goal lead intact. Final change for the home side as Martra is replaced by Martin Montoya.
Half-chance for Rafinha as the right-back drives into the box before striking an effort from close range, but it was always moving wide of the post. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of stoppage time. Bayern have possession.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 0-3 Bayern Munich (0-7 on aggregate)
Wow. What a performance from the German outfit. They have booked their spot in the final of the Champions League, where they will face domestic rivals Borussia Dortmund later this month. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick around for all the reaction. Good evening!
