Bayern stuns Barca 4-0 in champions league final
Updated: 2013-04-24 09:19
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||||
MADRID - Bayern Munich all but assured their place in the final of the Champions League with a crushing 4- 0 win over FC Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal on Tuesday night.
Barca need a miracle to reach the final as the Catalans were blown away by Bayern's pace and power and need a miracle next Wednesday in the Camp Nou if they are to overturn the two goals scored by Thomas Muller, plus those of Mario Gomez and Arjen Robben on a magnificent night for last year's beaten finalists.
The big news for Barcelona before the game was the return of Lionel Messi to their starting 11 after the Argentinean had missed the past two league matches with a hamstring injury, and Marc Bartra's inclusion at center half alongside Gerard Pique. However, as events would show, perhaps Messi should have been left out as he did not look fit and hardly came into contact with the ball.
Bayern, who have already assured the German league title for this season, were able to put a powerful 11 on the pitch with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Javi Martinez in central midfield and Mario Gomez, Arjen Robben, Frank Ribert and Thomas Muller in attack.
Barcelona's Lionel Messi reacts during his Champions League semifinal first leg soccer match against Bayern Munich at Arena stadium in Munich, April 23, 2013. [Photo/Agencies] |
Related Stories
Treble-chasing Bayern into German Cup final 2013-04-18 05:32
Bayern's Heynckes rejects advice to ring Guardiola 2013-04-17 08:00
Bayern Munich to face Barca in semis 2013-04-14 08:04
Conte lets rip as Juve crashes out to Bayern 2013-04-12 07:33
Record victory for Bayern 2013-04-08 08:00
Juve's Pirlo apologizes for bayern flop 2013-04-04 08:14
Today's Top News
China thanks countries
for quake relief aid
China, Europe need one another
Hungary official talks about youth exchange
Beijing protests Diaoyu incident
China's 2nd aircraft carrier will be 'larger'
H7N9 flu virus origins revealed
Beijing, Paris should 'work together'
Spanish party seeks ties with CPC
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Life resumes in 'isolated island' |
Supplies pour into isolated villages |
All-out efforts to save lives |
Liaoning: China's oceangoing giant |
Poultry industry under pressure |
'Spring' in the air for NGOs? |