With 20 minute to go in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final between Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the Nou Camp, things were looking positive for the German club. Cue the final whistle and it was a completely different story. Two goals from the sensational Lionel Messi set Barca up for the return match before Neymar rounded things off with a third – and possibly decisive – goal. Pep Guardiola and his Bayern players looked visibly stunned as they trudged off the park, a stark contrast to their confidence and assuredness less than half an hour previous. Despite the home team creating numerous chances in the first half, the Bundesliga champions had regrouped and looked as comfortable as they had done all game. The brilliance of Messi and his team-mates in the closing stages means Bayern now have a mountain to climb if they are to reach the final.
Guardiola surprised many with his tactics and approach to the game last Wednesday. The former Barcelona manager opted to play a full pitch press and go man for man when defending. The Catalans beat the press on numerous occasions, however, and it was only the superhuman effort from Manuel Neuer in goal that prevented this game being over after the first half hour. When Bayern did return to a more conventional system they were far more organised and dealt with the threat of Barca’s front three a lot better. It will be interesting to see how Guardiola sets his team out for the return leg, as he has to somehow get a balance between chasing goals, and keeping them out at the other end – easier said than done against an opponent playing at such an elite level.
Not since the 2010/2011 season have we witnessed a Barcelona team reach the levels they have done, consistently, in 2015. The pace and purpose have returned in the second half of this campaign, both of which has been lacking for several years as different managers attempted to follow in the footsteps of the manager who will be sitting in the opposition dugout in Munich on Tuesday. The signings of Luis Suarez and Ivan Rakitic have been crucial for Luis Enrique, adding much-needed athleticism and directness to the team. The duo also have an incredible amount of talent but those other qualities compliment the likes of Andrés Iniesta, Messi and Neymar – bringing the best out in them. The fact that the little Argentine has returned to his phenomenal best after two seasons blighted by injury is also a factor in their revival.
When Bayern lost in Madrid in the first leg of last season’s semi-final, many felt that they would be able to turn things around at home. We all know now that certainly was not the case as the eventual champions, Real, put on a masterclass in counter-attacking to humiliate Guardiola and his players in their own stadium. They face a different threat this year, and whilst Barca are not renowned for being so clinical on the counter as their La Liga rivals, Neymar’s goal last week proved how efficient they are if the opponent goes chasing the game.
As mentioned in last week’s preview, Bayern have turned things around in the home leg of their knockout games against Shakthar and Porto already this season. They scored 13 goals between those two games and conceded just one. It is an indication of the attacking qualities they have but as I also noted last week, Barcelona – in the form they are – are a world removed from either of those teams. I expect the visitors to progress to their fourth Chamopns League final in nine years, ultimately, as I simply cannot see Bayern shutting them out when having to go for goals themselves. An away goal would leave the home team needing five to qualify and in spite of the quality they possess, Barca are too good to let that happen. I do fancy a few goals though. Five of Bayern’s last six home games in the knockout stage have all featured at least three goals whilst Barcelona have seen four of their five away games in is season’s competition have all went over 2.5 goals, the price is short enough, however.
Looking elsewhere for the selection, Suarez has scored four goals in his side’s last two away games in the Champions League and is a tempting price to add to his tally in a game that will no doubt suit him.
Luis Suarez to score anytime 15/8 @ Bet365
