Monday, May 11, 2015
The finalists of the Champions League will soon be decided as the second legs of the semi-finals take place.
Barcelona have one step in the marquee final after dismantling Pep Guardiola's Bayern Munich on his return to his former club.
But El Clasico rivals Real Madrid have it all to do after losing in Turin against a strong Juventus side.
The brilliance of Lionel Messi and his stellar supporting cast were in full effect at the Camp Nou, as Barcelona took a commanding lead against Bayern Munich.
The Blaugrana won 3-0 on the night, turning the blood of Bayern's defence inside out with a dazzling display of skill and attacking prowess.
Guardiola's team are always strong on their own patch, but a host of injuries have left them short in key positions.
The losses of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben were clearly felt in the first leg, and it is questionable whether Bayern have the firepower to cause a dent in Barca's bodywork, with the Catalans needing one away goal to finish the job.
Messi's form is once again reaching its vintage best ,and the player's record for this term is outstanding. The magician has 50 goals from just 48 La Liga and Champions League appearances, per WhoScored.com, and it is difficult to imagine any team stopping Barca at home or abroad.
The form of Luis Suarez and Neymar is also hitting a peak, and they will be just as dangerous as Messi when they travel to Germany.
Real Madrid will be relieved they captured the away goal against Juventus in their semi-final first leg, but the form of Carlos Tevez will frighten Los Blancos.
The Argentinian is playing the best football of his career and boldly led his club to a 2-1 win in Turin.
Tevez's mobility is a threat to any opponent, but it is his predatory finishing that is so impressive at the moment.
The 31-year-old has seven goals in 11 Champions League games, per WhoScored, and the busy striker will be a threat in the Bernabeu.
Bleacher Report's Matteo Bonetti explained why Juve can win this season's European Cup:
Cristiano Ronaldo looks slightly jaded at present, but the form ofGareth Bale will be Carlo Ancelotti's biggest worry. The Welshman looks unhappy, and his performances have nosedived after a great first season.
