Barcelona 0-Bayern Munich 3 [Images ]

Barcelona's Over-Reliance on Lionel Messi Has Finally Cost Them

Perhaps it’s just a coincidence, but
Barcelona’s difficult Champions
League season has come at a time
when Lionel Messi has been unable to
make the starting lineup when his club
needed him most.
Obviously, if any team had a guy who
scored more than 300 goals including
44 in La Liga and eight in the
Champions League this year, it would
be difficult not to rely on him.
And although Messi is only 25 years
old and won’t be leaving Barca
anytime soon, manager Tito Vilanova
still has a job at hand of not only
helping his team recover from two
embarrassing loses against an
outright superior Bayern Munich but
also of building a squad capable of
delivering without Messi.
Hopeful fans were no doubt looking
forward to Messi starting the second-
leg semifinal against Bayern Munich,
as he has proved capable of delivering
miracles for his side time and time
again. However, Vilanova decided to
rest him, not risking the hamstring
injury he suffered last month. This
only proved that without Messi, Barca
are not the same.
In a tough quarterfinal fixture against
Paris Saint-Germain, his absence in
the second half of the first leg opened
the gates for a possible upset. Only
Messi’s introduction in the second
half of the second leg inspired his
team to make it through to the next
round.
He was clearly not at his best in the
first leg against Bayern Munich, and
perhaps Barca were risking something
by even having him on the pitch.
Without his usual unparalleled pace,
penetration and finishing skills,
Barcelona simply could not match
Bayern. For the sake of his injury, it
was necessary to have him sit on the
bench in the second leg, but his
absence left the team without hope.
In recent years, Barca have
established themselves as one of the
best teams ever assembled, as long
as Messi has been consistently in the
starting lineup. Although we can all
hope that he remains able to perform
with the same regularity he has
already demonstrated, the realities are
that injury is an ever-present part of
the game and over-reliance on a
single player in a team sport is
always dangerous.

Lionel Messi sits on the bench against
Bayern Munich.

Barcelona 0 - Bayern Munich 3: Arjen Robben leads rout for Bayern

ARJEN ROBBEN’s mercurial left foot
helped book Bayern their Wembley
date with German rivals Borussia
Dortmund, while Lionel Messi rested
his on the Barcelona bench.
The Spanish club’s all-time record
goal-scorer had netted in his side’s
La Liga draw with Athletic Bilbao at
the weekend, but was left back among
the substitutes as Barca set about
trying to wipe out a 4-0 deficit from
the first leg.
However, the hosts struggled to make
much of an impact on a hard-working
Bayern outfit as the scoreline
remained blank during the first half.
The second period was barely three
minutes old when Robben silenced the
Nou Camp.
There might well have been some
debate as to the legality of his strike in
the Allianz Arena a week ago, when a
timely body check by team-mate
Thomas Mueller on Barca defender
Jordi Alba went unpunished by the
officials and helped pave the way to
goal. But there was no doubting his
strike here.
Victor Valdes claimed an inswinging
free-kick from Robben and launched a
quick clearance downfield. But the
ball was sent back by David Alaba to
Robben, in plenty of space on the right,
and he cut inside to bend a sublime
left-footed drive into the far top
corner.
Barca had not lost both legs of a
knockout tie in Europe since 1987,
when Dundee United beat them in the
UEFA Cup quarter-finals.
But Bayern made sure of matching the
feat of Jim McLean’s men in the 72nd
minute when Franck Ribery found
space on the left and his cross was
turned into his own net by Gerard
Pique.
And they rubbed salt into the Barca
wounds soon after, as Ribery beat Alex
Song for pace and centred again for
Mueller to head home a third at the far
post.

Messi was NOT injured! Vilanova spared star from drubbing at hands of Bayern

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova
confirmed after his side's 7-0
aggregate Champions League semi-
final loss to Bayern Munich that star
forward Lionel Messi was not injured
but did not feature in the second leg
for fear of picking up a knock.
Newly crowned Bundesliga champions
Bayern prevailed 3-0 at the Nou Camp
this evening to seal an emphatic 7-0
aggregate triumph over the Catalan
club and set up an all-German
Wembley final against Borussia
Dortmund on May 25.
Leading 4-0 from the first leg, the
Bavarians were similarly clinical in
Catalunya with second-half goals from
Arjen Robben, Gerard Pique - who put
through his own net - and Thomas
Muller sealing a one-sided win over a
sorry Barca side for whom Messi was
an unused substitute.

'Messi felt good against Athletic
Bilbao (on Saturday), but in the final
minutes of the game at San Mames he
noticed a strange feeling,' Vilanova
said of the four-time reigning world
player of the year.
'He's not injured, but he felt he could
pick up an injury.
'Yesterday he trained, and also
today... but he did not feel well. He's
an explosive player and he could
break. So, maybe he could not help the
team.'
Vilanova, speaking at his post-match
press conference, acknowledged the
tie had been lost in Bavaria last
Tuesday.
'To lose, that can pass, but to lose 3-0
at home and 7-0 overall... It is clear
this is not the tie we wanted," he said
"If we had arrived at 100 hundred per
cent, it could have been different. I
believe the first leg weighed heavily
on us. I do not want to recall how they
got those goals.'
Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes
acknowledged that the absence of
Argentina forward Messi had had an
effect but felt it should not detract
from his side's achievement.
He said on German television channel
ZDF: 'Messi's (absence) surprised us
and, even though it's clear that we've
had an excellent game, you need to
accept that Barcelona are one thing
with Messi another without Messi.
'If we look at the whole tie, we've won
7-0. That couldn't be more clear and
now we have to enjoy it.'

Rested: Lionel Messi was not risked
against Bayern Munich on Wednesday

Real Madrid 2 Borussia Dortmund 0: As it happened Real Madrid 2 Borussia Dortmund 0: Read the action as it unfolded after two late goals were not enough for the home side in Spain

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 50th
Champions League goal last
weekPhoto: Soccer.ru/Wikimedia
Two late goals from Real Madrid were
not enough for the home side as
Borussia Dortmund booked their place
in the Champions League final at Los
Blancos‘ expense.
Trailing 4-1 from last week’s first leg,
substitute Karim Benzema put Madrid
ahead on the night with a close-range
finish in the 82nd minute.
Sergio Ramos then made it 2-0 in the
88th minute to set up a tense finale but
Dortmund held on to secure a 4-3
aggregate triumph and set up a
showdown with either Bayern Munich
or Barcelona .
Re-live all of the action as it unfolded
below.
As it happened: Real Madrid 2
Borussia Dortmund 0
30 APRIL 2013 - 9:47PM
The final whistle sparks wild scenes
of celebration in the Dortmund
technical area as the Bundesliga side
set up a final showdown with either
Bayern Munich or Barcelona at
Wembley next month.
It was a frantic finish at the Bernabéu,
but in the end the two goals simply
came too late for Mourinho’s men.
Thanks for joining us tonight and stay
close to The Sport Review for plenty of
reaction, as well as the build-up to
tomorrow’s semi-final. Good night!
30 APRIL 2013 - 9:39PM
FULL TIME: Real Madrid 2 Borussia
Dortmund 0
It’s all over at the Bernabéu and
Dortmund progress through to next
month’s final at Wembley by the skin
of their teeth after a dramatic finale in
the Spanish capital.
30 APRIL 2013 - 9:37PM
94 mins Madrid are piling forwards he
in search of a winner but Dortmund
are in possession…
30 APRIL 2013 - 9:36PM
93 mins Ramos leaps to meet the
cross but his header drops agonisingly
wide of the left post. Just under two
minutes left now…
30 APRIL 2013 - 9:35PM
92 mins Madrid earn a corner. This
could be one of their last chances…
30 APRIL 2013 - 9:34PM
90 mins Phew. It’s been a frantic end
here in Madrid as we move into
stoppage time. The fourth official
indicates there will be FIVE minutes
added on. We’ve already played 1:30
of that, though.
30 APRIL 2013 - 9:32PM
GOAL! Real Madrid 2 Borussia
Dortmund 0
Would you believe it? Great work from
Benzema sets up Ramos in the six-
yard box, who fires his effort into the
roof of the net and send the Bernabeu
wild! Just under a minute of normal
time left!
30 APRIL 2013 - 9:29PM
87 mins It’s all Madrid here as we
enter the final few minutes. Dortmund
take off Lewandowski and bring on
Kehl.
30 APRIL 2013 - 9:28PM
85 mins Madrid come close to finding
another goal when Ozil’s free-kick is
met by Ramos but Weidenfeller clears
his lines.
30 APRIL 2013 - 9:25PM
GOAL! Real Madrid 1 Borussia
Dortmund 0
Benzema puts the hosts ahead,
tapping home Ozil’s low cross from
close range. Surely it’s too little, too
late though?
30 APRIL 2013 - 9:19PM
76 mins Lewandowski has another
chance to end this as a content but his
shot low shot from eight yards is
saved by Lopez. Dortmund have had
plenty of chances of their own tonight.
30 APRIL 2013 - 9:18PM
75 mins Time is running out here for
Madrid. They need three goals in 15
minutes and despite enjoying plenty of
possession, their finishing has left a
lot to be desired.
30 APRIL 2013 - 9:15PM
Gary Lineker on Twitter: “Sergio
Ramos seems like a delightful chap!”
The former England striker is referring
to Ramos’ persistent fouling of
Lewandowski throughout tonight’s
game. Few of which have been
punished by referee Howard Webb.
30 APRIL 2013 - 9:12PM
70 mins Another chance for Ronaldo
but the Portugal international pokes
his shot over the bar from the edge of
the box.
30 APRIL 2013 - 9:10PM
67 mins Di Maria pokes a cross-
come-shot wide of the right post.
Kaka has shown some brilliant
touches since his introduction and is
again the architect here. Meanwhile,
Khedira is on for Alonso.
30 APRIL 2013 - 9:07PM
64 mins Dortmund are just starting to
find their feet in this half now and are
enjoying some spells of possession in
the Madrid half.
30 APRIL 2013 - 9:05PM
62 mins What. A. Save. Diego Lopez,
take a bow. The Real Madrid
goalkeeper has just kept his side in
this with a point-black stop from
Gundogan. And moments later
Lewandowski heads a cross wide.
30 APRIL 2013 - 9:03PM
60 mins It’s Real Madrid asking all
the questions here but they’re yet to
really test Weidenfeller this half.
30 APRIL 2013 - 9:00PM
57 mins Double substitution by Real
Madrid as Higuain is replaced by
Benzema and Coentrao by Kaka.
30 APRIL 2013 - 8:59PM
56 mins Essien sends in a deep cross
from the right aimed at Ronaldo but the
forward is unable to make any
meaningful contact.
30 APRIL 2013 - 8:54PM
49 mins Dortmund are centimetres
away from taking the lead and putting
this tie beyond Madrid. Lewandowski
unleashes a ferocious drive which
smashes down off the crossbar before
the home side are able to clear their
lines. Massive let-off for Mourinho’s
men.
30 APRIL 2013 - 8:51PM
48 mins Madrid have two early
corners but they both amount to
nothing.
30 APRIL 2013 - 8:48PM
46 mins The home side get us back
under way in Madrid.
30 APRIL 2013 - 8:32PM
HALF-TIME: Real Madrid 0 Borussia
Dortmund 0
It’s been a frantic opening 45 minutes
in Madrid. The home side raced out of
the blocks but Dortmund have looked
solid at the back and gradually grew
into the game. Needless to say,
Mourinho’s men still have it all to do.
30 APRIL 2013 - 8:31PM
46 mins Ronaldo wins a free kick 35
yards from goal but blasts it high into
the stands. Very poor by his
standards.
30 APRIL 2013 - 8:28PM
43 mins Klopp will be pleased with
how his side have handled this first
half. Despite a shaky start, the
Bundesliga outfit have settled and
appear to be well on their way to
Wembley.
30 APRIL 2013 - 8:25PM
39 mins Alonso finds Higuain on the
left, who manages to carve out a cross
towards Ronaldo, but Weidenfeller is
able to collect ahead of the Portugal
international.
30 APRIL 2013 - 8:20PM
31 mins The game has fizzled out a
bit here. Madrid could well be left to
rue their barrage of early chances.
30 APRIL 2013 - 8:16PM
31 mins The game has fizzled out a
little bit here. Madrid could well be
left to rue their barrage of chances
early on.
30 APRIL 2013 - 8:11PM
25 mins Dortmund have had 37% of the
possession so far but are finally
starting to see some of the ball and
look like they will be a threat on the
counter-attack.
30 APRIL 2013 - 8:05PM
20 mins And Rio’s right. It’s been a
very positive start to the game from
the hosts but they’ve got nothing to
show for it.
30 APRIL 2013 - 8:03PM
Manchester United defender Rio
Ferdinand on Twitter: “Madrid could
have been right back in this tie already
with the chances they have had…..”
30 APRIL 2013 - 8:00PM
15 mins Madrid have just spurned
another brilliant opening. Ozil finds
himself through on goal but drags his
shot low and wide of the right post.
Poor effort. As anticipated, Gotze has
been replaced by Kevin Grosskreutz
for Dortmunt.
30 APRIL 2013 - 7:59PM
14 mins Lewandowski loses Ramos
and fires a volley which is parried by
Lopez. And seconds later, Ronaldo has
an almost identical chance saved at
the other end!
30 APRIL 2013 - 7:58PM
13 mins Dortmund could have problem
here. Mario Gotze looks to be
struggling and is currently off the
pitch receiving treatment.
30 APRIL 2013 - 7:56PM
11 mins Higuain heads Ozil’s free-
kock goalwards but the striker is
adjudged to be offside. The effort went
wide anyway.
30 APRIL 2013 - 7:55PM
10 mins It’s been a solid start from
Madrid, with the home side
confidently stroking the ball around.
30 APRIL 2013 - 7:53PM
8 mins Madrid have just earned their
fourth corner inside eight minutes. The
home side are still yet to really find a
clear opening though. Ronaldo has a
pop from the edge of the box but it
flies over the bar.
30 APRIL 2013 - 7:50PM
4 mins Modric darts down the right
wing and feeds Ozil, who slides in
Higuain – but the Argentine’s low shot
is saved by Weidenfeller. Madrid are
off to a flier here.
30 APRIL 2013 - 7:47PM
1 min Real Madrid win a corner after a
run down the left wing by Coentrao.
The ball falls to Di Maria on the edge
of the box and the Argentine sends his
effort sailing into the stands.
30 APRIL 2013 - 7:45PM
KICK-OFF! The visitors, in their yellow
and black strip, get us under way in
Madrid.

The end of tiki-taka? The Spanish teams dominated possession against their German opponents in Europe this week but an 8-1 aggregate scoreline tells its own story. Adam Bate looks at the reasons for the perceived power shift and points to teamwork rather than individual brilliance. Pressing over passing...

"What a player he is," yelled Gary Neville as Robert Lewandowski completed his amazing hat-trick against Real Madrid. It was some performance, for which the Polish striker will quite understandably take the headlines. But above all, Dortmund's 4-1 win - like Bayern Munich's 4-0 victory over Barcelona 24 hours earlier - was the triumph of a cohesive team philosophy.

The Real Madrid players recognised it. Young centre-back Raphael Varane told UEFA immediately after the game: "We went down to a very aggressive team who were compact and gave us no space. Lewandowski played really well and we failed to stop him. But it's more a team failure than an individual one."

Football makes heroes of individuals. When Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo score more than 100 goals each over the course of just two seasons, that much is inevitable. And yet, both men - yes, even Ronaldo - know the game well enough to appreciate they operate as part of a whole. And that whole failed to function against Germany's finest this week.

Lionel Messi was left frustrated as Barcelona were thrashed by Bayern Munich

As ever, the possession football was in evidence. Real dominated against Dortmund with 56 per cent of the ball, while Barca enjoyed a whopping 66 per cent of possession in their four-goal defeat in Munich. Those statistics have led some to report the death of tiki-taka football. But in a sense it is misleading.

Even after being outpassed by Barca on Tuesday, Bayern have still enjoyed more of the ball than any team to reach the quarter-finals of this season's Champions League. Indeed, they are the only team other than Barca to dominate more than 60 per cent of the ball in the top five leagues in Europe this season. It isn't that passing football doesn't work, it's that it needs to be accompanied by pressing.

Pep Guardiola: Philosophy

Barcelona have become synonymous with the possession game, but that is arguably the symptom rather than the cause. As Sir Alex Ferguson noted as they ascended to the top of the European game under Pep Guardiola: "What has changed is the pressing and the areas in which they press the ball. That is what Guardiola has brought to the team."

Pressing high up the field was at the heart of their success. "We play in the other team's half as much as possible because I get worried when the ball is in my half," explained Guardiola. The logic is simple: "If we recover the ball here we have to run only 30 metres up to the opponents' goal. If we recover the ball in the defence we have 80 metres separating ourselves from that objective."

With Guardiola no longer there to guide his students, it appears almost as though some of the players have misunderstood the root of their success. The focus on retaining possession has continued but, without the necessary tempo both with and without the ball, there is a danger of the philosophy descending into parody.

The warning signs were there even towards the end of Guardiola's reign. As Jonathan Wilson wrote inThe Guardian: "Rather than just let his Barca wither away, rather than face the prospect of their philosophy being overcome... Guardiola sought to stave off the entropic imperative by exaggerating what had made Barca great, by holding possession even longer, by getting even more men forward."

What Barcelona failed to do on Tuesday was win the ball high up the field, as was their trademark at their peak. They tried to do so but their efforts were disjointed. It requires energy. Energy some of their players did not have. Messi, seemingly struggling for full fitness, was uncharacteristically lethargic throughout and completed just seven passes in the attacking third against Bayern Munich.

Jose Mourinho: His team could not cope with the aggression of Borussia Dortmund

In contrast, Dortmund were full of energy against Real Madrid. "On every individual battle on the pitch they were stronger than us, they were more aggressive physically, they were more aggressive mentally," Jose Mourinho told Sky Sports. "We lost easy possession, easy possession and we couldn't cope with their counter attack and with their transition."

Dortmund's pressing, particularly in the midfield zones where Xabi Alonso and Luka Modric were so conspicuously rushed, was remarkable. It was notable how often this was done through partnerships - whether it was Lukasz Piszczek and Jakub Blaszczykowski on the right or Ilkay Gundogan and Sven Bender in the centre. Their teamwork made Real look slow.

Unlike Bayern, it has long been evident that Dortmund utilise a different approach and coach Jurgen Klopp fuelled the fire for a clash of styles in the Bundesliga next season when stressing he could not compete with Guardiola for the attention of Mario Götze. "I cannot preach football based on quick transitions and now start playing tiki-taka," explained Klopp on Tuesday.

In truth, the lesson of this week was not so much about which approach is right. The message to be taken is that it doesn't matter what philosophy you have as long as you stick to it and everybody works together. At the highest level of the game, if you don't do that - no matter how good the individuals in your team are - then you're unlikely to find success.

Falcao backed for Chelsea move German media claim striker will follow Mourinho to Stamford Bridge

Chelsea have been backed in to odds-on to sign Radamel Falcao with Sky Bet, amid speculation that the Colombia striker and Jose Mourinho have both agreed moves to Stamford Bridge.

Various German media reports have suggested that the Blues have already moved to acquire the Atletico Madrid striker on the request of Mourinho.

The talk has been supported by Sky Bet reporting a run of bets on Falcao heading to West London, prompting the odds on a move tumbling from 6/1 to 1/5.

The 27-year-old has scored 25 goals for Atletico this season to propel them to third in La Liga, just three points adrift of rivals Real Madrid, but has a release clause of just over £50million in his contract.

Meanwhile, a proposed return for the 'Special One' has been mooted for some time, with Mourinho having repeatedly revealed his desire to return to the Premier League.

A return to Chelsea has been odds-on for over a month but further backing on Wednesday night, when Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League hopes were significantly dented with a 4-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund, saw the price for a second stint at the Bridge cut to 2/7.

Sky Bet's Chris Spicer said: "It is difficult to decipher whether the backing is really from those in the know or just people buying into the reports, but the amount of stakes we have seen has certainly warranted a significant shift in odds.

"Manchester United were previously backed in to favourites to sign Falcao following speculation in the Spanish media that a deal had been agreed, so it certainly would not be unprecedented for foreign media speculation followed by subsequent backing to prove misleading."

Andre Villas-Boas wants Tottenham stay after links to Real Madrid

Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas is flattered to be linked with a possible upcoming vacancy at Real Madrid but says he is k Real will be looking for a new boss if Jose Mourinho departs, as expected, in the summer, and Villas-Boas could be a contender, having done well at Spurs this term.

However, Villas-Boas only arrived at Tottenham last summer and is keen to stay in the one place for longer than he has become accustomed to, having not lasted long at Chelsea last season.

"The fact he (Mourinho) made it public that he is looking for an exit has ended up with a lot of speculation," said Villas-Boas.

"It's very flattering but I think at the moment everybody is being linked with the Real Madrid job, because there are now lots of coaches around."
Andre Villas-Boas

"It's very flattering but I think at the moment everybody is being linked with the Real Madrid job, because there are now lots of coaches around.

"For me it is always an honour but I am completely focused. I have a contract, I was given an opportunity, and I was extremely grateful.

"It's different. At the moment I am very, very focused on trying to get another year at one club, the same club!

"When everybody signs a contract you are expected to do it until the end."

During his spell in charge of Porto, Villas-Boas said he would like to manage in Brazil at some point, and he says that is still very much in his thoughts.

"Yes, that's the case," he said. "I definitely want to manage in Brazil." een to remain at White Hart Lane.

Champions League: Cristiano Ronaldo a doubt for Borussia Dortmund clash

Cristiano Ronaldo has emerged as an injury doubt for Real Madrid's Champions League semi-final second leg against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.

Ronaldo missed Real's 2-1 derby win over Atletico on Saturday with a thigh injury which he suffered in the 4-1 defeat in the first leg in Germany in midweek.

The Portugal forward did not train with his team-mates on Sunday either, working alone with Madrid's fitness team as he bids to get close enough to 100% to feature in the return contest.

Madrid's hopes of overcoming their three-goal deficit would clearly not be helped by the absence of a player who leads the Champions League scoring charts with 12 goals - Ronaldo has scored in their last six European matches.

Mourinho defiant as Real crash in Dortmund

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has
insisted his side can still reach the
Champions League final, despite being
routed 4-1 at Borussia Dortmund in the
first leg of their semi-final.
Poland striker Robert Lewandowski netted
all four of Dortmund's goals to strengthen
the possibility of an all-German final at
Wembley on May 25, but Cristiano
Ronaldo's away goal gives Real a slim
second-leg life line.
After Bayern Munich's 4-0 hammering of
Barcelona on Tuesday in the other semi-
final, Borussia followed the German
champions' example and floored their
Spanish opponents at Dortmund's Signal
Iduna Park.
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Mourinho's team now face an uphill battle
at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in
Tuesday's return leg, but with Real chasing
a tenth European title, the 50-year-old
self-styled 'Special One' has promised they
will put up a fight.
" I have learnt that anything can happen in
football, it will be tough next week, but
nothing is impossible and my footballers
will try to show that next Tuesday," said
Mourinho.
" The best team by far won.
" Individually and collectively Dortmund were
better and deserved their victory.
" They were first to every ball and were far
more intense than us.
" We found it hard to hold onto possession
when they pressed, but we can come
back."
Real only narrowly avoided suffering their
worst defeat in international competition -
AC Milan beating them 5-0 in what was
then the European Cup in the 1988/89
campaign - but Dortmund coach Jurgen
Klopp advocated caution.
" We have to force ourselves to stay
focused, we still need to go to Madrid,
which will be no walk in the park," said
Klopp.
" We scored some great goals and played
really well, but we have to go to Fortuna
Duesseldorf , in the Bundesliga, then Madrid
for the second game and there is still a lot
to do."
Klopp quickly poured water on any notion
his side are now favourites to win the
Champions League for the second time in
their history after their 1997 triumph.
" I don't have the feeling we're favourites,
we produced an exceptional game against a
fantastic team ... we just want to reach
the final," said Klopp.
" Nothing is decided, it's just halftime. We
don't have much experience this far in the
tournament and we will have to work
unbelievably hard in Madrid.
" The only thing I know, which is great, is
that my team will not go there and want to
defend ."
Klopp had promised his players would not
be destabilised by the news on Tuesday
that 20-year-old midfield star Mario Goetze
was to join Bayern Munich next season and
his prophecy proved correct.
The night belonged to Lewandowski who
stole the limelight with the opening goal,
then added a second-half hat-trick to
became the first player to score four goals
in a Champions League semi-final.
" We have taken only the first step, but of
course we are happy ," said Lewandowski.

Mourinho defiant as Real crash in Dortmund

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has
insisted his side can still reach the
Champions League final, despite being
routed 4-1 at Borussia Dortmund in the
first leg of their semi-final.
Poland striker Robert Lewandowski netted
all four of Dortmund's goals to strengthen
the possibility of an all-German final at
Wembley on May 25, but Cristiano
Ronaldo's away goal gives Real a slim
second-leg life line.
After Bayern Munich's 4-0 hammering of
Barcelona on Tuesday in the other semi-
final, Borussia followed the German
champions' example and floored their
Spanish opponents at Dortmund's Signal
Iduna Park.
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Mourinho's team now face an uphill battle
at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in
Tuesday's return leg, but with Real chasing
a tenth European title, the 50-year-old
self-styled 'Special One' has promised they
will put up a fight.
" I have learnt that anything can happen in
football, it will be tough next week, but
nothing is impossible and my footballers
will try to show that next Tuesday," said
Mourinho.
" The best team by far won.
" Individually and collectively Dortmund were
better and deserved their victory.
" They were first to every ball and were far
more intense than us.
" We found it hard to hold onto possession
when they pressed, but we can come
back."
Real only narrowly avoided suffering their
worst defeat in international competition -
AC Milan beating them 5-0 in what was
then the European Cup in the 1988/89
campaign - but Dortmund coach Jurgen
Klopp advocated caution.
" We have to force ourselves to stay
focused, we still need to go to Madrid,
which will be no walk in the park," said
Klopp.
" We scored some great goals and played
really well, but we have to go to Fortuna
Duesseldorf , in the Bundesliga, then Madrid
for the second game and there is still a lot
to do."
Klopp quickly poured water on any notion
his side are now favourites to win the
Champions League for the second time in
their history after their 1997 triumph.
" I don't have the feeling we're favourites,
we produced an exceptional game against a
fantastic team ... we just want to reach
the final," said Klopp.
" Nothing is decided, it's just halftime. We
don't have much experience this far in the
tournament and we will have to work
unbelievably hard in Madrid.
" The only thing I know, which is great, is
that my team will not go there and want to
defend ."
Klopp had promised his players would not
be destabilised by the news on Tuesday
that 20-year-old midfield star Mario Goetze
was to join Bayern Munich next season and
his prophecy proved correct.
The night belonged to Lewandowski who
stole the limelight with the opening goal,
then added a second-half hat-trick to
became the first player to score four goals
in a Champions League semi-final.
" We have taken only the first step, but of
course we are happy ," said Lewandowski.

Real Madrid 1 -Dortmound 4

Comfortable win for dortmound

Borussia Dortmund vs. Real Madrid: Halftime score 1-1, Ronaldo equalizes late for Madrid

B orussia Dortmund scored early and then
withstood some pressure late in the half
before taking a 1-0 lead into the locker
room at halftime. Robert Lewandowski's
sliding goal in the 9th minute is the
differnece
BVB came flying out of the block early
coming close to a goal before finding the
back of the net before the ten minute mark
of the first half.

blog Managing Madrid
in the 7th minute Sven Bender sprung
Marco Reus on the counter attack with a
tremendous tackle that freed the midfielder
through the middle. Reus sliced into the
Madrid area, going right around Raphael
Varane before forcing a save from Diego
Lopez , who could only parry the ball to the
left . Robert Lewandowski just missed
getting on the rebound but he would not
miss a couple minutes later.
Ilkay Gündogan, who had a strong frist
half, found Mario Götze wide on the left in
the 9th minute with a quick pass. Götze
made a cut back up-field and found
Lewandowski at the far post for a sliding
redirect past Lopez . Lewandowski had
blown by Pepe in the Madrid box and there
was nothing Lopez could do to stop the
Polish international from staking Dortmund
to an early 1-0 lead.
Madrid settled down after the goal and
their increased possession allowed them to
slow down the tempo and start creating
some chances.
Cristiano Ronaldo generated Madrid's first
real attacking moment of the game in the
24th minute, earning a free kick from 30-
yards out. After his now famous stare
down of the dead ball, Ronaldo launched a
shot that curled over the wall and forced
Roman Weidenfeller to parry the ball away.
The keeper handled it well and the danger
was cleared by Dortmund.
Marco Reus went down after some contact
with Varane inside the Madrid box but the
referee wanted nothing to do with it.
Distracted by the non call, Dortmund were
punished for the lapse in concentration as
Mats Hummels made an ill-advised back
pass that was picked up by Gonzalo
Higuain who raced into the BVB box.
Higuain waited patiently for Ronaldo to
catch up before crossing to the striker for
an easy finish, giving Madrid a precious
away goal right before the halftime break.