Last week I previewed the fortcoming semi final line up in the ever prestigious UEFA Champions League on Tolu Shotade's Final Score Radio program on Inspiration FM, where i showed my hand pitching for German efficiency over Spanish artistry; I was given a lot of stick by the many callers to the show.
My main reason for pitching with the Germans is purely the way the Bundesliga has developed in leaps and bounds over the last couple of years to wrestle attention from the English Premier League and Spanish La Liga by improving its commercial viability, attractiveness with a deep rooted approach to developing some of the best young talent in world football combining flair, artistry and good Ol' German efficiency as well as the development of some fantastic stadia boasting the best average attendance in the whole of Europe. German Football has gone full cycle, the success at club level is translating to the National team being one of the best in the world.
To the games proper, not in anyones lifetime would you imagine you would have a situation or the opportunity to reflect on your past and catch a glimpse of your future. This is the prospect Bayern Munich v Barcelona offers us all. Pep Guardiola must be rubbing his palms at the prospect alone.
Tonight, two of the best teams in Europe go head to head; its the game every one wants to see; like Pacquio v Mayweather. This is a proper clash of football's club heavyweights; both teams go into the game as Champions or Champions elects of their respective leagues; winning with ruthless efficiency and poise. This is probably the first time Barcelona would be going into a match as slight under dogs, this is purely due to the amazing balance this Bayern side possess; defensively they are very solid, conceeding only 14 goals in 30games. Going forward Bayern are spoilt for choice with the twin Marios in devasting form all season coupled with the incredible depth coming on from the bench. Barcelona too have being ruthless this season, leading Laliga with 13points and looking pretty comfortable at the top with little or no hassles until lately as their talisman of all ages Lionel Messi has struggled with his hamstring in the last two weeks. Conventional wisdom says he will play from the start; but what will be interesting is how Barca cope with the counter attacking on slot of Bayern Munich knowing fully well that their attack from wide areas forms a focal point in their entire composition, now Barca's full backs are used to spending a lot of time in the opposition's half; the double threat from the wingers and full backs must be a real source of worry for Tito Villanova; the temptation would be to go 3 at the back but we saw how that was torn apart at Juventus; so Alba and Alves would need to be very intelligent with their play and pick instances where they may need to gamble. Also I suspect there may be a surprise inclusion in midfield to ensure Barca are able to cope with Bayern trying to utilize these spaces. I suspect Iniesta may be pushed forward especially if Messi does not start; surprise inclusion in Midfield may be Alex Song, so that Barca can form a bank of four when Bayern try to counter. The game would be incredibly open as they'd be a lot of space to run into and cover as well. What would be interesting would be how Bayern cope without the ball and i am very sure they'd be comfortable forming two banks of four to stifle Barca as many teams have done and break with pace using the gaps left by Alba/Alves. Barca will always have the lion share of possession; its what Bayern do with it when they get it back and how they use it that would be of interest. Bayern's midfield would have their work cut out to dampen whatever influence and control the likes of Iniesta,Xavi and of course Busquets may aim to have, Martinez, Kroos and Bastian must pick them up and ensure they are unable to play in between the lines and blocking off the spaces to cut their movement off the ball as well.
The record books doesn't favour Bayern as Bacelona are undefeated in their last 4 games against Bayern winning 3 and drawing 1. Messi starting would be very important for Barcelona and I know Jupp Heynekes has not called on Guardiaola for any tips. Bayern have the upper hand because they are more balanced and i am not just comfortable with that Barcelona defense against a Bayern attack that has scored over 100 goals this season in all competitions.
VERDICT : Bayern go through to their Third final in 4years.
There's a saying that goes 'being there, done that' this illustrates the clash between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. Both teams were occupants of the so called group of death which Dortmund topped playing some electric football whilst keeping to their solid virtues of pressing all over the pitch; taking four points of Real Madrid that it took a late Ozil free kick to rescue a point for Los Blancos. It is said that Jose Mourinho does not make the same mistake twice and that he would have learnt from the earlier meetings between both clubs to figure out a way to get the best of this young enterprising Dortmund side. I am sure Jurgen Klopp too has visited the previous meeting and would note that the Real defence has a different look to it with the emergence of Raphal Varane. The Real defense looked shaky at certain times against Galatasaray and Dortmund would love to have this kind of opportunity to have a go at this Real defense. My only fear for Dortmund, is their apparent lack of depth to call up to change matches in their favour; also Dortmund showed some naivety in the second leg against Malaga especially defensively with the pace Real have they will trouble Dortmund on the break, but Dortmund will press all over the pitch and ensure that Real are unable to coordinate their play as well as they love to. Dortmund being at home for the first leg may be to their advantage, allowing them to ease into the prospects of the second leg being away.
VERDICT: Dortmund will go through, but only just; may be decided by away goals.
There we have it, the germans will finally conquer Europe and descend on London to claim the holy grail.
Adeyemi Adesanya
@yemimanutd
