Bayern Munich took a commanding lead into their Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona next week, after beating the Spanish giants 4-0 at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Tito Vilanova’s side are roundly regarded as the most dominant side in Europe having reached the semi-final stage of this competition for the last six seasons, but they were truly dismantled by a confident and superior German side.
Jupp Heynckes’ team have now cemented their place as one of the greatest sides on the continent at the moment after a superlative display, and Barcelona will need to produce a minor miracle to even threaten to topple their opponents at the Nou Camp.
Bayern were sent on their way in the 25th minute when Thomas Mueller headed in at the back post, an effort that the Barcelona goalkeeper, Victor Valdes, could only parry into the goal.
Mario Gomez then doubled the German’s advantage just after half-time when he tapped in from close range, and then the Dutch winger, Arjen Robben, ran at the Barcelona defence and curled in a sumptuous finish from a tight angle for a controversial third.
The Barcelona defence now looked susceptible on every attack, and it was no surprise when Thomas Mueller tapped in a fourth with only eight minutes left after wonderful approach play from his teammates.
If Bayern were to score in the Nou Camp next week, Barcelona would need to score six to progress, and with their defence looking so fragile it seems likely that Munich will constantly threaten on the counter attack.
Lionel Messi was deemed fit for the encounter, having picked up a hamstring injury in the previous round against Paris St Germain, but he never threatened to make an impact and was easily subdued by a stubborn Bayern defence.
Bayern or Barcelona will play either Borussia Dortmund or Real Madrid in the Champions League final, which will take place at London’s Wembley arena next month.
