Champions League Semi-Finals Second Leg: Madrid Barrages Run Wild to Set Up Lisbon Showdown

Football

BY NISAR KHAN

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will meet in the Champions League Final on May 24, after Ronaldo blitzed past Bayern Munich and Atletico decimated Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.



Lisbon will witness an enticing Madrid Derby on 24th May as Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid take their rivalry to new heights, on the grandest stage of football.

Recap from first legs »

Bayern were looking to overturn a one-goal deficit at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday, though the final outcome of Real’s riot-run was the opposite to Pep’s master plans.

After Karim Benzema’s lone goal the week prior, which gave Real Madrid the slender lead going into the hotly-anticipated second installment, Bayern were eager to attack on all fronts.

However, it would be Real Madrid that would, truly, demonstrate their attacking prowess.

Sergio Ramos’ double in the space of four minutes turned the game, in fact the whole tie, on its head. His 16th minute header from a set-piece, would be followed by a similar one in four minutes later to expose a devastating vulnerability in Bayern’s eyes.

Running a tight-rope through the game, the Spaniard successfully avoided a booking that would have ruled him out of the final. The same can’t be said for his Spanish compatriot Xabi Alonso, booked for a reckless foul on Bayern’s skipper, meaning he is ineligible to play in Lisbon on 24 May.

Real Madrid’s third goal on the 34th minute would epitomize their incredible counter-attacking ability. Gareth Bale blazed past Bayern players with an incredible run, before squaring it across to Cristiano Ronaldo, where the Portugese-native struck low to get even closer to a Champions League final on his home nation.



Surprisingly, Bayern Munich looked to adopt a more defensive approach in order to reserve any more humiliation. As for their attacking, they didn’t have much of a chance as Franck Ribery’s slump continued and Mario Mandzukic was extremely lackluster.

One final blow would be delivered by Cristiano Ronaldo. It was the last crumbling turn for Bayern, as he struck it low, straight under the wall and leaving keeper Neuer a bystander.

Ronaldo scored his 500th goal for Madrid AFP

Things were delicately poised at Stamford Bridge for Atletico’s clash with Chelsea. Things were goalless when the full-time whistle blew back at the Vicente Calderon, but in a more open game, the net was expected to bulge more than once.

For the first goalless 36 minutes, both sides were reluctant to sit back and welcome pressure, resulting in half-chances here and there around the pitch.

Fernando Torres scored against his former club which injected masses of belief that Chelsea were on course to face Real in the final – the Spaniard didn’t celebrate, but stood calmly in silence possibly knowing that the Blues were on course.

Adrian Lopez ensured that both sides would be on level terms in the game, though his goal gave Atletico the advantage. Squared across the box, kept in just, it would fall to Adrian who struck it cleanly enough to go well into goal.

Thibaut Courtois was a major factor as he denied John Terry’s powering header with a superb save. This would keep Atletico on course to take real control after the hour mark.

Costa’s penalty the ‘final blow’ PA IMAGES

Samuel Eto’o fouled Diego Costa in the box awarding Atletico a penalty. Flattened when contending, Costa took his time to adjust the penalty spot, since there was some blemish in the pitch that made it awkward for the Spaniard.

Diego Costa was booked, but then took a World class penalty to amend it and put Atletico well ahead.

“Till the penalty we were the better team”, Jose Mourinho told Sky Sports after the match. Atletico indeed took control after Costa’s killer blow.

Over ten minutes over and only a miracle would save Chelsea, as Arda Turan’s low strike brought blues to, well, the Blues. Turan’s initial header hit the woodwork but it fell out to him nicely to tuck it home.

It was all Atletico as they cruised to a historic Madrid derby in the Champions League final. With both also in full contention for the La Liga title, its going to be very interesting come the Lisbon showdown.

They will meet again in Lisbon, Portugal.

Too fast

Real Madrid completely outpaced Bayern Munich, even with Robben and Ribery, to completely outdo them. Anytime they picked up the ball on the counter they posed a huge threat. Bale and Ronaldo are an extraordinary tandem, and they proved it against Europe’s (then) best team.

Killer blows

Cristiano Ronaldo’s low free-kick in the 89th minute was the dagger to Bayern, bringing about humiliation for the gigantic German. Neuer, like Bayern throughout the game, provided perfect imagery – standing helpless as the ball raced into the net. It just showed how much Bayern had been outdone.

In the other game, Diego Costa’s penalty was the killer blow, as it gave Atletico complete threshold in the game. Arda Turan’s strike was a statement that has them ready.

Visitors thrive

They came, and they went – with a place in the final.

After both were either sucked in or played a gameplan in the first game back at home, they ran riot away to dampen home fans.

Tactics out the window

Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho were more tactically-orientated managers, yet their plans went out of the window when faced with the onslaughts from the Madrid sides. They may have managed to get something out of the other games, but tactics didn’t mean much this time.

History

Lisbon’s Champions League final will be historic – Real Madrid in the final for the first time in 10 years. Atletico for the first time in 40. And a Madrid Derby in the European final for the first time ever. Madrid reigns supreme.

Bayern plummet, Chelsea crumble and Madrid thrive – they’ve rightly sealed their showdown on the biggest stage in football. 

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Champions League Semi-Final First Leg Recap, Analysis & More: Chelsea Hold Atletico And Madrid Ruin Bayern’s Gameplan

Football
UEFA Champions League 2014
Semi-Finals
First Legs
22-23 April 2014
Atletico Madrid vs. Chelsea
Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich

BY NISAR KHAN

The 2014 Champions League semi-finals took place over the week as Chelsea battled to a goalless draw against Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid rallied past Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu. Recap all the action here, with stats, reports, match information and analysis.



On Tuesday, Chelsea held Atletico Madrid to a goalless draw while Real Madrid took a one-goal advantage on Wednesday against Bayern Munich.

There was just 1 goal out of the 2 semi-finals, though there was plenty of football to feast on, as the road to Lisbon winds down.

Here, you’ll find stats, full scores, bookings, attendance figures, ratings and much more from the two semi-final games played on 22 and 23 April 2014.

Chelsea Execute Defensive Masterclass To Draw Goalless With Atletico 

Score: Atletico Madrid 0 – 0 Chelsea
Goalscorers: N/A
Kick-off: Tuesday 22nd April 2014, 19:45 BST (UK time)
Location: Vicente Calderón Stadium, Madrid, Spain.
Attendance: 52 560
Bookings/Cards: Gabi, Miranda, John Obi Mikel, Frank Lampard, Demba Ba
Possession: Altetico Madrid 69%, Chelsea 31%
Shots: Atletico Madrid 25, Chelsea 5
Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)
Man of the Match: Gary Cahill

Chelsea held Atletico Madrid to a goalless draw at the Vicente Calderon Stadium in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, leaving the tie even going into Stamford Bridge for the second leg.

The visitors faced Atletico Madrid’s attacking prospects with equanimity, as Mourinho’s men put on a defensive masterclass to restrict the hosts from scoring.

Chelsea paid a price, though, in the game – Petr Cech and John Terry were forced off, and Blues’ keeper Cech will miss the rest of the season, while Terry could play in the final if Chelsea make it.

Petr Cech was down in agony after 17 minutes of play after colliding with Raul Garcia in a corner. A suggested shoulder injury spotted by medics at the scene indicated for an immediate change, as the Czech native was substituted for Mark Schwarzer.

“Job done” for Chelsea could be no better exemplified than the fact that Atletico failed for the first time in 11 games to score in this season’s Champions League. It was bittersweet though, with the injuries to Terry and Cech putting a great shadow on Chelsea’s hopes.

Mark Schwarzer, replacement keeper for the injured Cech, made one pivotal save to deny Mario Suarez. Suarez fired it towards goal but was denied strongly. That would be the busiest the Aussie would get in the whole match, as Chelsea’s defense halted any further threats.

Chelsea loanee Thibaut Courtois was not called into the best of action, with Ramires coming closest, though his goal went well wide.  Surging through the middle, he snatched at the shot and the chance went begging.

Fernando Torres, returning to his former club, found little success in threatening the Atletico goal. In spite of his scoring shortage he’ll be pleased that Chelsea are still well in the tie.

Due to bookings received in the game, John Obi Mikel, Gabi and Frank Lampard will not play in the second leg.

Atletico went into the second leg with optimism as they closed it out with Gabi and Turan’s late chances as the Madrid side made a late bid for the victory.

Analysis and comment

Far from the most pulsating game, but appreciated by many for Chelsea epitomizing the word, ‘defense’.

Going into Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have the ball on their homefront and will undoubtedly use that to their advantage. Expect a much more attacking formation, mindset and many more chances.

But of course, with that, comes the inevitable threat of chances on the other side. Atletico will have a better chance to counter and so on, meaning Diego Costa will do much better than this time round.

The Spaniard was hardly seen against Chelsea, shut down and not the predating striker he normally is. With Gabi out, though, Atletico will need solutions in midfield to really provide better.

Injuries will be a big blow for Chelsea – not only their Champions League hopes, but their season. However, with a big, title-implication clash with Liverpool in the weekend, Mikel and Lampard can play without risk of hindering Chelsea’s hopes for the tie, considering they are suspended for the game.

Cahill’s block to Costa’s header has gave Chelsea a big chance come the second leg at Stamford Bridge

Karim Benzema Scores Lone Goal As Madrid Knock Off Bayern At Bernabeu

Score: Real Madrid 1 – 0 Bayern Munich
Goalscorers: Karim Benzema (19′)
Kick-off: Wednesday 23rd April 2014, 19:45 BST (UK time)
Location: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid, Spain.
Attendance: NUMBER
Bookings/Cards: Isco
Possession: Real Madrid 28%, Bayern Munich 72%
Shots: Real Madrid 9, Bayern Munich 18
Referee: Howard Webb
Man of the Match: Fabio Coentrao

Real Madrid shut down Bayern with a narrow one-goal win at the Bernabeu in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.

Karim Benzema scored to cap off an eccentric counter-attack from the Spaniards, as Fabio Coentrao set him up for a tap-in after Cristiano Ronaldo’s through ball.

In spite of the landslide in possession, Bayern had nothing to show for it.

Their tactic seemed to be taking an effect towards the culmination of the first half as Real Madrid players were showing clear signs of fatigue, after chasing the ball around for the majority of play. However, the German Champions were unable to capitalize to really threaten goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo, just moments later, squandered a huge opportunity to double the lead. Goalscorer turned provider, Karim Benzema sent through a perfect through ball, tough the Ballan d’Or winner smashed over the bar.

Further chances came for Madrid as a result of woeful defending from Bayern, with Angel Di Maria’s volley going way wide after Isco deceived Bayern players in the box.

Continuing to control possession, Bayern Munich were almost found a victim again of the vast and powerful counter-attack threat, as Ronaldo’s shot was thwarted by keeper Manuel Neuer. 

Bayern had one big chance in the late stages of the game. Thomas Muller, who was substituted into the game in the second half, set up Mario Gotze, though the former Dortmund player was unsuccessful in his attempt to slot the ball right, as Iker Casillas made an incredible save to maintain Madrid’s lead.

Analysis & comment

Bayern Munich will be scratching their heads when looking at the stats, considering they dominated every statline accept for the most crucial – the score.

Possession, possession, possession – with one sole objective. The Germans attempted to tire Real Madrid and outplay them with passing, though this was unsuccessful.

Consistency was lacking around areas of the pitch, especially the defence, as Bayern’s sometimes poor defending was costly.

As for Real Madrid, their counter-attacking football was excellent, leading to a well-worked goal on the break from Karim Benzema. 

However, Cristiano Ronaldo and Di Maria went on to miss chances of which they could rue when they meet in less than a week for the second leg.

Benzema’s goal gave his side an important advantage, but will they rue the missing of other chances? FOXSOCCER / TWITTER

That’s the first legs wrapped up. Onto the second – where it’s all to play for.
`

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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Complete Round-Up of Tuesday’s Matchday 2 Action

By Nisar Khan

We had late-winners (and equalizers), domination, red cards and sublime play. The Champions League is now in full swing. Arsenal dominate Napoli, along with Dortmund and Chelsea pulling off great performances. Teams are beginning to make noise in the epitome of European football. Here is the complete round-up and analysis for the Champions League action on Tuesday, October 1.



Aaron Ramsey – among other Arsenal players – was on top form on the night (Image Courtesy: UEFA.com)

Arsenal 2 – 0 Napoli
The Gunners put on a masterclass at the Emirates for their 10th straight win that included a debut goal for Mesut Ozil.

Arsenal had a magnificent start to the game at the Emirates. Mesut Ozil scored his first goal for Arsenal just eight minutes in off an assist by Aaron Ramsey. The Gunners continued their excellent play before striking just seven minutes after with goalscorer Mesut Ozil setting up Olivier Giroud to give Arsenal’s second. Just a quarter-of-an-hour in and Arsenal were dominating the visitors. Passing the ball around, quality creation of chances and the fans vocal pleased with their teams’ performance. The Gunners continued to press in search for a third goal before half-time, but last-ditch attempts from Napoli defenders kept them at bay for the time being. An excellent first half of football for Arsenal, who were in complete control of Napoli.

In the second half, Napoli simply had no response. Arsenal comfortably moved the ball around without little resistance from Napoli – besides late attempts in damage limitation. Aaron Ramsey received a standing ovation when he was substituted after yet another fantastic game. They cruised to a dominant win in emphatic fashion – what a way to celebrate Arsene Wenger’s 17th year anniversary as manager of the club.

The team celebrate Mesut Ozil’s opening goal (Image Courtesy: UEFA.com)

Steaua Bucharest 0 – 4 Chelsea
Chelsea ran riot in their trip to Romania to face Bucharest. Two goals from Ramires, an own goal and Lampard would pay dividend to the final scoreline.

Ramires’ scored two goals for the away side (Image Courtesy: @MrFootyPics)

Arsenal were not the only London club to finish the first half two goals in the lead. Chelsea also had a dominant start in Romania with Ramires striking before the twenty-minute mark. Jose Mourinho was more than satisfied as the half-time break approached. In spite of Torres’ departure from the game due to a knee injury, the visitors had a pleasing first half. Chelsea’s second goal came right before half-time, Georgievski scored an own goal. A surging run from Samuel Eto’o forced a save from the Bucharest keeper, only to rebound of Georgievski’s foot for the own-goal. Unfortunate for the own-goal, but in spite of Bucharest’s misfortune in that goal, Chelsea were dominant in the first half.

Ramires scored a sensational goal to mark his second, and Chelsea’s third in the early moments of the second half. Andre Schurrle’s run set up for Oscar who provided the assist for Ramires’ goal. And if that was not enough to guarantee the win, Lampard’s goal from outside the area sure did.


Zenit 0 – 0 Austria Wien
In the early kick-off, Zenit and Austria Wien battled towards a goalless draw. The biggest chance of the game came from Hulk when he rattled the woodwork in the first half. However, no goals would ensue during the game, although they may have if Witsel (Zenit) was not sent off, as it seemed to extinguish the flame in Zenit’s attack.

Dortmund 3 – 0 Marseille
Dortmund re-instated their targets for Champions League success as they dominated Marseille in front of a vibrant home crowd.

It was indeed a very entertaining first fourty-five minutes. Dortmund did better in the first half with Robert Lewandowski scoring 19 minutes in off Dortmund’s break. An easy goal for Lewandowski that put Dortmund in the lead. Down but not out, Marseille were still in the game with a positive albeit inferior performance in the first half.

Seven minutes into the second half, Marco Reus would give the hosts a 2 – 0 lead with a delightful free-kick with an early bounce that beat Steve Mandanda as he parried it into the goal. And if the game wasn’t won already, Robert Lewandowski’s goal would seal the deal with ten minutes remaining as he scored from the penalty spot driving it straight down the middle.

The Champions League runners-up are off to a flying start to this campaign (Image Courtesy: UEFA.com)

Celtic 0 – 1 Barcelona
It was far from the Celtic Park miracle that ensued last year, as Celtic kept Spanish Champions at bay until the odds stacked against them with Fabregas scoring the only goal of the game.

Celtic were able to withstand an onslaught of Barcelona dominance in the first half, restricting Barcelona from scoring a goal in the first half, although they came very close as part of their intense first half display.

The hosts were pushed further on the backfoot when Scott Brown was shown a red-card for a foul. The task at keeping the Spanish Champions at bay became a lot harder. Barcelona would eventually capitalize on the advantage with Cesc Fabregas’ header from a Sanchez cross.

Celtic eventually came short of the Spanish giants (Image Courtesy: UEFA.com)

Ajax 1 – 1 Milan
In what was expected to turn into a real slowburner, the result would be defined in the dying moments of the game, with not one but two shockers.

Another demonstration of dominance, but no goals in the first half. With 70% of possession, five shots on target – as oppose to Milan’s 0 – Ajax definitely lead on the stats, but not in the game as it was goalless going in the break with both teams having their work cut out. 

They sure left it late. Denswil looked like he had scored the winner in the 90th minute, but Mario Balotelli would stun them in stoppage time with a late equalizer. Incredible.

Mario Balotelli scored a late goal to equalize (Image Courtesy: UEFA.com)

Porto 1 – 2 Atletico Madrid
Porto took the lead a mere sixteen minutes into the game,with Jackson Martínez’s header giving them the lead. Porto’s threshold on the game was slowly depicted in the first half as Atletico found their rhythm.

An impressive start to the second half by Atletico was marked with a 58th minute goal by Godin. The Uruguayan was able to leap into the air and head the ball for Atletico’s equalizer. Then, Atletico would go further in the dying moments, with Turan’s close range goal. 

Basel 0 – 1 Schalke
Basel had the better of the first half, but Schalke looked threatening from set-pieces. As half-time approached at St-Jakob Park, it was all even. 

Schalke’s Draxler quickly broke the deadlock in the second half. After Basel cleared a corner, it would fall out to the German who put his foot through in a wonderful strike leaving the keeper no chance of stopping it. 

Quick Breakdown & Analysis

• Arsenal completely dominated Napoli at the Emirates. After a torrid first half for the visitors I expected them to do better in the second but this was not the case. Completely outplayed by Arsenal all over the field.
• Bucharest had no answer for Chelsea either. I thought the absence of Torres after the injury would affect them, but it did not at all. Playing right up to the end with a nice finish by Lampard.
• If Dortmund ever made a statement, it was tonight. Lewandowski on some supreme striking form and Group E is all about Arsenal and Dortmund now.
• Celtic did surprisingly better than I thought they wood. Yes, they may have been dominated by Barcelona, but they kept the goals at bay. Obviously it will be much harder at the Nou Camp. Nevertheless, the red card eventually took it’s toll.
• Ajax and Milan was not looking the best of games… until stoppage time that is. Denswil’s goal was surely the winner, but Balotelli’s goal was just an emphatic way to equalize so late in the game.
• Atletico slowly got into the game against Porto. Porto had the better first half, but Atletico got in it with the equalizer, and progressed towards the game winner.

An indeed dramatic night of Champions League football. Wins for Arsenal and Chelsea in emphatic fashion, meanwhile Dortmund make a statement for Champions League contention. Late drama too between Milan and Ajax may have been gut-wrenching for fans while Celtic stayed put… but not for long enough. Chelsea, Dortmund and Arsenal are the headline-stealers for tonight. Why? One word – Domination.

 By Nisar Khan – Read more articles from this author

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