Champions League Semi-Final 4/23/2014 Part II

And I'm back! The match between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich was a lopsided affair with an awkward conclusion. Prior to the play where Karim Benzema slotted home in the 19th minute, and in the subsequent game, Bayern were the team in ascent. They dominated possession - with 64% of the ball - and had almost double the number of chances as their Spanish counterparts. On the bright side for the Germans, they will be playing at home and should have an almost complete roster so long as goalkeeper Neuer is able to maintain his fitness levels. Alcantara and Shaqiri will likely remain out for the second leg, but Bayern definitely have the quality to drown Madrid in goals - so long as they can actually put a few in the back of the net! On the Madrid side, Alvaro Arbeloa will likely remain absent for the second leg. If Sami Khedira, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Gareth Bale can maintain their health, Madrid may actually look better than they did in their home fixture! As far as my predictions go, after the respective first legs, I still think that Atletico Madrid may have too much under the hood for Chelsea to handle. The English side will obviously have a boost being at home, but I could imagine things going south for the hosts if Atletico get the first goal. On the other hand, Real Madrid are sitting in a more comfortable position against Bayern Munich, there is no doubt about it. However, the Germans remain an incredibly talented side, and with 11 chances on target in Madrid, I would expect them to make at least one at home.

Champions League Semi-Final 4/23/2014

Alright then! What a pair of games we had this week as Atletico Madrid were held to a 0-0 draw at home in Spain against English giants Chelsea and Real Madrid took an early 1-0 lead against a dominant Bayern Munich side in Madrid. In the first match-up, Atletico had a majority of the opportunities though they were unable to get through the Chelsea defense. Having said that, all is not lost for the Spaniards. While it will certainly be no easy task, Chelsea remained goalless in the first leg as well. Adding to the woes of the English side, goalkeeper Peter Cech and John Terry may miss the second leg while Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel received bookings that disqualify them from competing in the next match. The dubious status of Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto'o does not help matters. I will admit that I would love to see Atletico in the Final. If Thibaut Courtois and company can keep things together, the Spaniards will have at least one representative in the Champions League Final. More later, gotta run!