Bayern Should Win Home Final

Bayern Munich are seeking to join Liverpool on five European Cup wins and become the joint-third most successful club in the competition's history behind Real Madrid and AC Milan, when they kick off at their home ground on Saturday night. The first time a team has played the final in their own stadium since the UEFA Champions League replaced the old European Cup. It was clear in the second leg semi final win over Real Madrid how much that mattered to the Bavarian team. It could prove the vital difference against Chelsea in what is expected to be a good physical challenge between these two finalists. 

For Chelsea the motivation to make up for the loss to Manchester United in 2008 could drive the likes of Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Ashley Cole and the suspended John Terry. Given their form this season since the arrival of their temporary manager Roberto di Matteo, particularly in overcoming the holders Barcelona, suggest that maybe Chelsea's name is written on the trophy. If it is though, no one better than Munich to change the script, which both teams have already had to countenance - given the multiple suspensions for the final. 

The German team will also want top make up for being undone by Inter Milan and Jose Mourinho in 2010 in Madrid. Also amend for the loss perhaps to another English team in 1999 in the Camp Nou – that being Manchester United. Indeed a Bayern victory would make Jupp Heynckes only the fourth to have triumphed with two different clubs after Ernst Happel (Feyenoord 1970, Hamburger SV 1983), Ottmar Hitzfeld (Borussia Dortmund 1997, Bayern 2001) and José Mourinho (FC Porto 2004, FC Internazionale Milano 2010). 

How the Bavarian motor machine can win on Saturday night was very clear against Real Madrid over the two legs. The efficient use of possession, strong physical presence and the industrious running from Franc Ribery, Philip Lahm, Arjen Robben and Mario Gomez. Not forgetting the horsepower of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos and Thomas Mueller across the middle. A constant mix of inter passing and deadly precision passes into space for Gomez - well able to strike home from anywhere - will no doubt test the modified Chelsea back four in the absence of Terry. With Luiz likely to make a comeback his shortcomings against Bayern Munich might be enough to make even the most ardent fan nervous. 

David Luiz and Gary Cahill have not played since 15 and 24 April respectively due to hamstring injuries and Florent Malouda has a similar problem. The loss for Chelsea of Ramires, Branislav Ivanović, and Raul Meireles will dilute the punch in the middle of park. All three are a constant source of frustration for attackers in a way that Claude Makelele was a speciality for Chelsea and Real Madrid for so many seasons. It could be here that the Chelsea Champions League challenge unwinds. 

Munich will be better able to handle the loss of Gustavo, David Alaba and Horst Badstuber. 

In the semi final against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge Chelsea exploited the counter attack of a frail Barcelona. Then a fabulous delivery by Frank Lampard released Ramires to give Drogba a fine scoring chance - from which Barca failed to recover. In Barcelona for the return leg the momentum gathered in the blues favour once Ramires slotted passed Victor Valdes in the 44th minute and get Chelsea back into controlling the game. With so much traffic through the middle, even Lionel Messi found it a dead end and by the time Torres scored it was just the icing on the cake for the Londoners. With the departure of Pep Guardiola it is clear that Barcelona were not firing well under the surface and it is something that Bayern wont allow happen in the final. Especially over one match. 

If it comes to spots kicks because no one breaks the deadlock in regulation then it will be the Germans. History is testament to that fact. 

But for Chelsea it will be about containing Franck Ribery for the ninety minutes as his energy, power and distribution make him hard to mark and how Di Matteo goes about this task will be indicative form the outset of Chelsea’s plan. And to be fair Di Matteo has got the balance right so far. But it might be ninety minutes too much in Munich this time for Chelsea. With a former Chelsea player, Arjen Robben, also motivated to prove a point – and operating from the right side – it may be too much containment for Ashley Cole to handle on his own. Especially given the new formation in the heart of the defense. 

The speed and attacking flair that Bayern exhibited against Real Madrid in the last match is to reflective of that power. Also losing the Bundesliga title to Dortmund and the German Cup means the Champions is the last trophy left to win out of what was a possible treble for Heynckes.

Unless Di Matteo truly has the luck sign on his side this has to be a home win. But Di Matte needs to secure a Champions place for next season  by winning - and perhaps get the job full time also from Mr Abramovich.


.

All in Play for Chelsea's Di Matteo

Roberto Di Matteo is determined to make history for Chelsea and wants to do 'something extraordinary' in Saturday's UEFA Champions League final against Bayern Munich.

Caretaker Blues boss Di Matteo again admitted he thought becoming the first manager to lead the club to glory in European football's most prestigious club competition would not affect his hopes of being appointed on a permanent basis.

The former Chelsea midfielder also claimed he had no idea what the future would hold were he to be overlooked, even though he appears bound to be inundated with job offers on the back of his extraordinary Stamford Bridge rescue act.

Di Matteo, who has enjoyed a rollercoaster 10 weeks in charge, said: "I have a big drive and a big motivation to do something extraordinary for this club. That's all I want to do.

"Whatever comes afterwards, there's always a reason why things happen."

Di Matteo insisted on Sunday he would have "no problem" if winning the Champions League failed to alter his fate and claimed this afternoon he had "not had time" to speak to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich about his future.

"My future will be holidays after Saturday," the 41-year-old added, refusing to elaborate beyond that.

Indeed, all Di Matteo was concerned with was securing European glory for the club he served with such distinction as a goalscoring midfielder.

"This game can decide the history of our football club," he said. "It would be the first time we would win the European Champions League.

"That's all that matters and all we're thinking about and focusing on."

He added: "It's a massive game, a big game for the club, a big game for our players. I'm not suggesting it's just another game.

"We have to go into it with the knowledge we have the quality and experience to win it."

Extra pressure

Di Matteo's line-up is likely to include at least four of the players who started Chelsea's only previous Champions League final, when in 2008 they lost in a penalty shoot-out against Manchester United.

"I don't think any of our players will need extra motivation for a game like this," he said. "From that point of view, it'll be easy."

What will not be easy is taking on Bayern in their own back yard, with Saturday's match taking place at the Allianz Arena.

"They know the pitch, and that could give them a little advantage," Di Matteo said. "But, on the other side, they might have a bit of extra pressure because they're at home. I'm not sure if it is an advantage or not."

Di Matteo also played down suggestions the key to beating Bayern was shutting down their star wingers,Franck Ribery and former Chelsea star Arjen Robben.

"I don't think it's quite as easy and straightforward as that," he said. "They have a lot of great players."

Subscription OSM news service

Bastian Gets Bayern to Allianz

This season home advantage has counted for little in the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League as Real Madrid suffered the same fate as Catalan rivals, Barcelona, in the second leg losing at the Santiago Bernabeu to a more eager and industrious Bayern Munich.

Real perhaps hurting from the exertions of the El Clasico last Saturday night. 

After winning the shoot-out Bayern now meet Chelsea in the Champions League final next month, after final beating Madrid 3-1 on penalties.

It was Bastian Schweinsteiger who scored the decisive spot-kick after Manuel Neuer had made two saves to deny Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka.

David Alaba and Mario Gomez had sent Iker Casillas the wrong way to put Bayern in control of the shootout, but Real were handed a lifeline as the Spanish captain then saved from Toni Kroos and Philipp Lahm.

However, Sergio Ramos blasted his attempt over the bar and opened the fdooe for Byewrn once agian and Schweinsteiger was calmness personified as he slammed the ball home to send Bayern into their second final in three years.

This time though they it is more unique, as they play the final at their home ground, the Allianz Arena.

Real had erased their 2-1 deficit from the first leg within five minutes as Alaba was somewhat harshly punished for handling Angel Di Maria's shot and Ronaldo slotted home the resulting penalty.

The visitors responded positively though and should have been level within minutes as Alaba nearly made amends for conceding the penalty with a brilliant run and cross but somehow Arjen Robben scuffed the ball over the bar from only yards out.

Franck Ribery was then denied by a brilliant saving challenge from Sami Khedira after Casillas had spilled a Gomez shot from 20 yards, but only 15 minutes had passed when Ronaldo doubled his tally and Madrid's advantage on the evening as he raced on to a brilliant through-ball from Mesut Ozil and stroked the ball past Neuer from the edge of the area.

The tie was back on a knife-edge 12 minutes later though as Pepe was penalised for a push on Gomez as he tried to get on the end of Kroos' cross into the box.

Robben had missed a significant penalty in the Bundesliga title decider against Borussia Dortmund a fortnight ago, but the former Real player stepped up again and his spot-kick just sneaked past Casillas who got a hand to the ball.

The chances continued to flow at both ends towards the end of an engrossing 45 minutes as firstly Karim Benzema's curling effort floated just over the bar before Gomez was again found by Kroos but the man who had scored 12 goals in his previous 10 European appearances could not find a way past Casillas.

The Real captain was called into action again in the final action of the first-half as he palmed away Robben's free-kick and the visitors came close again right at the start of the second period as Gomez's header from Philipp Lahm's cross crept inches wide.

Generally though both sides tightened up significantly in the second half and opportunities were far harder to come by at either end.

Benzema brought a smart save from Neuer before the Frenchman wasted Real's clearest opening after the break as he fired over from the edge of the area after being fed by Ronaldo.

Gomez then had the chance to send Bayern into the final with five minutes remaining of normal time as Robben found him free inside the area but he took too many touches and allowed the Real defence to recover and block his effort.

The home side regained the initiative at the start of extra time but tiredness seemed to affect their decision making in the final third as Ronaldo dallied to allow Lahm to make a crucial last-ditch challenge before the break and Kaka did likewise when presented with the ball in the area with just eight minutes remaining.

Real had claims for a third penalty of the evening turned down moments later as instead Esteban Granero was booked for going down under pressure from Neuer.

And that decision was to prove vital as Ronaldo, Kaka and Ramos all failed from the spot to hand the Germans a place in the final on May 19.

Join OSM news service

Madrid Have Real Chance - Jim Beglin

The last visit for me to the Santiago Bernabeu was in 2010 for the Champions League final between Inter Milan and Bayern Munich – which saw the Special One win the trophy for a second time. 

Wednesday night’s game is again about a Mourinho side once again, with an in-form Real Madrid side facing their Bavarian rivals once more in a semi-final of the Champions League – hoping to stop the visitors reaching the final in their home ground next month. Bayern manager Jupp Heynckes on the other hand returns to the place he brought back the European Cup - after an absence of 32 years – when he was coach to Madrid in 1998. 

This week though Heynckes plan is to recoup the trophy for Bayern who last won title in 2001 at the San Siro and arrives protecting a 2-1 victory secured in Munich last week. Which could prove a long night as Real Madrid are the sharper looking team at the moment, boosted no doubt by that win at the Camp Now on Saturday night against Barcelona. 

Regardless the Bavarians are well equipped for the match, not least being the industry and energy of Franck Ribery – who missed that 20102 final – who is ready to add to the goal scored at the Allianz Arena in Munich. His efforts will be ably supported by Dutchman Arjen Robben, who also has the ability to settle matters with that deft left foot, as proved over the years at Chelsea and Real Madrid during his time at those two clubs. Having played a scoring role over the past two seasons at Bayern in the Bundesliga and Champions League, the stage is set on Wednesday night for him to do the same again. 

With back up from Phillip Lahm down the right flank it should see Munich create chances and test Madrid keeper, Iker Casillas. 

In the first leg Lahm’s attacking threat was evident – and the source of the second goal – and so Mourinho must have a plan in mind to counter that clear threat. 

Presumably Schweinsteiger will play in midfield even though he was one of the few players from the first leg who saw action over the weekend against Bremen. After missing four months of the season through injury the added game time can only be good for the German international. The competition to join Luiz Gustavo in the middle of the park may then be between Tony Kroos and Thomas Muller. 

But with only five goals this season Bastian Schweinsteiger is short on the form of recent seasons and may not make the starting eleven. 

Real Madrid will remain unchanged in midfield with the German international duo of Sammi Khedira and Mezut Ozil keen no doubt to put one over Bayern Munich. Alongside Xabi Alonso they will provide the support and service for the strike force of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. 

For Bayern the threat of a revived Benzema – who likes to play just off the last defender – and the record goals scoring force that is Ronaldo this season marauding down the left side, the minds of Bayern defenders Lahm, Holger Badstuber, Jerome Boateng and David Alaba will be truly occupied. The added difficulty is that all four are one just booking away from missing the final – which may affect their approach on the night. 

No doubt making it an even trickier night for keeper Manuel Neuer, who has lost some of that invincibility since he made the move from Schalke 04 to Munich 

Whether Kroos or Mueller get the nod is the one doubt in my mind for Bayern as both have shown ability throughout the season. Kroos in particularly enjoying being reunited with Jupp Heynckes. 

Both are also one card from missing the final

.

But it is the skills of Mario Gomez up front that have increasingly impressed and could prove a big test for Madrid defenders, Pepe and Sergio Ramos. With good service Gomez could prove the match winner again - as he did last week in the Allianz Arena when he struck in the 90th minute. A headache for Sergio Ramos and Fabio Coentrao – who also are on yellow cards. 

However it might be the Madrid away goal that weighs heavily on Munich and instills a bit of fear given that the first leg showed that on any given night little separates the teams. 

History also shows that the winners of the Champions League are usually the teams that gather momentum, added form or sharpness, towards the end of the season and emerge as obvious winners. This year Real Madrid look like that team as last Saturday may have proved as Mourinho secured a win that has eluded the club in seven previous clashes with Barca. 

Even Ronaldo seems more inclined to work through games under Mourinho this season, than was evident in the past, as too often he was an absentee on the big occasions for club or country. 

With Benzema on form, and back in favour, he looks more the player that scored for fun during his last season at Olympique Lyonnais a couple of seasons ago. 

If you add Mourinho’s record in the competition and the manner in which his Inter side neutralised the Bayern threat two years ago, it all adds to a win for the home side. On the other hand Bayern are very motivated about a final at the Allianz and an early goal in Madrid might set them on their way. 

Although Bayern have 11 wins to Madrid's six from the previous 19 meetings, at home Real have only ever lost twice to Bayern. 

With Ronaldo on 54 goals this season, the last of which was Saturday, a home win is my tip and hard to see beyond that given the added atmosphere at the Bernabeu on the night. 

©JimBeglin

Join OSM news service

Di Matteo is Chelsea Believer

Roberto Di Matteo insists Chelsea have what it takes to win the UEFA Champions League as they look to complete a historical victory against Barcelona.

Barely seven weeks since taking charge and less than seven days after masterminding an astonishing semi-final first-leg win over Barca, caretaker Blues boss Di Matteo arrived at Camp Nou on Monday night determined to finish the job.

Chelsea have been written off this season and even before that, something that prompted Di Matteo to hit out at their critics after Saturday's Premier League game at Arsenal.

And he was adamant they are good enough to end their agonising nine-year wait for Champions League glory since Roman Abramovich bought te club.

"We do have the qualities within this team," he said.

"I think we need away from home, as we've seen in the past, a bit of luck to be able to do well in a competition like this.

"But, certainly, the quality and the squad we have at Chelsea is very good."

The Blues interim manager believes is it vital the West Londoners attack at Camp Nou rather than simply trying to defend their 1-0 lead from the first-leg.

Chelsea have not lost in their last six games against Barca in the tournament and he is hopeful that they can add to their 22 goals they have already scored in this season's competition.

Pep Guardiola's defending European champions lost to their bitter rivals Real Madrid at the weekend in 'El Clasico', effectively handing Jose Mourinho's men the Primera Liga title in the process and are now looking to avoid a third straight defeat in the space of a week.

"I do think we will have to try and score a goal," said Di Matteo.

"I think that will give us a greater chance because I think it's going to be difficult just to play for a goalless draw.

"Barcelona will create chances against every team they play against, so we will have to try and score a goal for sure.

"We have to also try and limit the chances that they can create against us."

Drogba

Didier Drogba, who scored Chelsea's winner against Barca last week, played a full part during their training session at Camp Nou on Monday evening.

The striker missed the goalless draw against Arsenal at the weekend as Di Matteo rested eight players.

The Italian says he will make a decision on whether the Ivorian will start on Tuesday morning, adding: "I'll assess the physical and mental state of my players.

"I'll make the team selection tomorrow morning, so I can't tell you what it'll be tomorrow night."

Join OSM news service

Chelsea v Barcelona - Preview

Rejuvenated under Roberto Di Matteo and dreaming of a triple celebration at the end of the season, Chelsea now face perhaps the most daunting challenge in football as they prepare to welcome Barcelona to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.

Chelsea have consistently challenged for European glory over the past decade but the main prize has proved elusive and one of their most painful memories came three years ago when they were knocked out by Barca on away goals after a last-four tie that ended in ugly scenes as Didier Drogba vented his fury at the performance of referee Tom Henning Ovrebo.

Barcelona went on to beat Manchester United in the final and repeated the feat at Wembley last season to cement their standing as the dominant force in Europe.

This is the first time the Blues have made it through to the semis since 2009 and they will be determined to show over the next week that they are not in decline and can still compete with the continent's finest.

It has already been a rollercoaster ride just to reach this stage, having been made to work hard to get out of the group phase and then come back from the brink of defeat against Napoli in the round of 16.

Victory over Benfica in the quarter-finals turned out to be more routine as Chelsea continued to build momentum under interim manager Di Matteo.

The Italian has made a huge impression with the turnaround he has masterminded since taking over from Andre Villas-Boas, having secured nine wins in his 12 matches at the helm.

As well as moving back into contention for a top-four finish in the Premier League, the Blues on Sunday booked their place in the final of the FA Cup by thrashing London rivals Tottenham 5-1.

While the Wembley triumph provides an ideal lift ahead of another massive clash, the midweek meeting with Barca is undoubtedly the sternest test to date of Di Matteo's credentials as speculation continues over whether he could be offered the permanent position.

Di Matteo has demanded two 'perfect' games from his players against Barcelona and Frank Lampard insists Chelsea are not scared of the reigning European champions as they relish the tag of underdogs.

Lampard is one of the senior men to have been given a fresh lease of life by Di Matteo's arrival and is expected to line up in midfield alongside John Obi Mikel and Ramires.

David Luiz will miss both legs of the tie after failing to recover as quickly as Chelsea had hoped from a hamstring problem, but Branislav Ivanovic is available during his domestic three-match suspension.

At the other end of the pitch, Drogba will be hoping to start after his fine performance against Tottenham.

Barcelona news

Chelsea have shown in the past that they can do what many other teams are not capable of and cause problems for Barca, with the teams having become familiar foes in the Champions League over the years.

Barcelona will feel they are a better side now than the last time they faced the Blues, with Lionel Messi going from strength to strength and enhancing his reputation as one of the greatest players in history.

The Argentine superstar has been in irresistible form all season and has netted a remarkable 14 goals in the Champions League this term, but in six previous games against Chelsea he has never scored.

Even if that record is extended to a seventh game at Stamford Bridge, Barca still possess a frightening attacking arsenal and will be confident that someone can grab an away goal to take back to Camp Nou for next Tuesday's second leg.

Barca have not had to rely on their home form to reach the semi-finals, though, having cruised through the group stage and then blown away Bayer Leverkusen before battling past AC Milan in the last eight.

Pep Guardiola, who has dismissed reports linking him with the Chelsea manager's job as 'fantasy', is now within sight of leading Barcelona to become the first club to defend the Champions League trophy.

Guardiola says he is aware of the threat Chelsea will pose and will be without a couple of key players as Seydou Keita (thigh) has not travelled and David Villa (broken leg) is still sidelined.

Andreu Fontas is also out for the season with a knee injury but Ibrahim Afellay has recovered from knee ligament damage and Dani Alves is back from a thigh problem.

Gerard Pique has also overcome a thigh injury and is set to take up his place in defence alongside Carles Puyol and the versatile Javier Mascherano.

Join OSM news service

No Way Jose Accepts Webb Decisions

Jose Mourinho refused to comment on the performance of English referee Howard Webb in his side's 2-1 Champions League semi-final first leg defeat by Bayern Munich, except to say that the Bavarians' first goal was offside.

"I don't criticise the referee, I accept his decisions," said Mourinho, who has a reputation for doing exactly the opposite.

"They scored a goal which should have been disallowed but that doesn't give me any reason to criticise.

"A draw would have been a fairer result. This is football, whoever scores wins and the game ends when it ends, nothing else."

"It's not a terrible result," he added after Bayern snatched a win with a last-minute goal.

"We wanted to win, you start to feel it's going to be difficult, the two teams were tired, there was a lot of fighting for the ball and when it seemed it would be a draw, they scored."

Although it was a fractious encounter, Bayern's 66-year-old coach Jupp Heynckes thought it used to be worse in the old days.

"It's the semi-final of the Champions League, so it was always going to be a physical match and both teams showed that," he said.

"When I think of the old European Cup, especially against Italian teams, those were hard fights back then, often very difficult.

"I think the referee, apart from a few incidents, had a good game.

Join OSM news service

Real Plan Allianz Return Trip

Real Madrid’s last trip to the Allianz Arena in 2007 in the Champions League was at the first knock-out stage and the Spanish side arrived protecting a 3-2 home win from the Santiago Bernabeu. All of which became the flimsiest of margins once Roy Makaay scored after 11 seconds for Munich and proving a test too far after Lucio scored in the 66th minute. By the time the penalty came Madrid’s way seven minutes from time, both Diarra and Van Bommel had been sent off, with the fixture ending 2-1 after van Nistelrooy converted from the spot. 

Surprisingly a month later Milan dumped Bayern out in the quarterfinals as they marched on Rome, where the Italians beat a listless Liverpool – after two strikes from Pippo Inzaghi. 

Bayern and Real have met in four previous European Cup semi-finals, with Munich holding the better record in 1976, 1987 and 2001, going on to win the trophy on two of those occasions. When Madrid won the battle in 2000 the club then beat Valencia in the final in Stade de France – with Steve McManaman playing a key role for manager Del Bosque on the night. 

In the Champion League final of 2010 it was an ageing Inter Milan team who swamped the German side – still star studded – by one Jose Mourinho who went on to make the Santiago Bernabeu his home when he joined Real Madrid the following July. 

His arrival on Tuesday night at the Allianz Arena will offer Bayern a chance to seek revenge for that night, albeit the return leg of April 25th will most likely prove the decider – knowing the Special One’s coy tactics away from home. But it is a testy Bayern that plays this week hurting after conceding the Bundesliga title to arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund, which raised some sharp comments from Club General Manager, Uli Hoeness – the man who delivered the fabulous new stadium on the outskirts of the city. In his time he also helped deliver the European Cup trophy on three occasions. – 

As part of a talented Bayern side that took over from Johan Cruyff's Ajax, Hoeness was part of the team that dominated European trophies in the mid 1970’s. Indeed, he played in a final that was replayed in 1974 when a draw ended the first game in the Heysel Stadium against Atletico Madrid. 

The following year Bayern beat Johnny Giles and Company in Parc de Princes when Leeds United succumbed to goals from Franz Beckenbauer’s men in Paris. Then in 1976 Hoeness added a third medal against St Etienne with a win at Hampden Park. 

On the field this time around the much travelled Arjen Robben Dutchman will come face-to-face with his ex-employers and a former gaffer - having joined the Mourinho project at Stamford Bridge in 2004. 

At Chelsea Robben won two Premier League Titles and one FA Cup medal but was shuffled on in 2007 when Real Madrid called – despite a number of injuries. He missed out on a reunion at Madrid with the Special One after his enforced move to Bayern in 2009. So one imagines no one more than Robben himself would love to prove his worth to the Munich faithful this time around and it could add to the edge if the Dutchman decides to show his flair in Germany on Tuesday night. 

The added pique could come from Bayern Manager Jupp Heynckes, who in 1997 achieved what Mourinho has yet to deliver when he was at Real Madrid - the La Liga title. 

Hired after Fabio Cappello won the Spanish championship the German proved his pedigree when in 1998 the European Cup returned to Madrid after a 32-year absence with a Champions League win over Juventus at the Amsterdam Arena. On a night that Clarence Seedorf won the second of his four Champions League medals, having gained his first the previous May with Ajax. The glory for Heynckes however was short lived as he only lasted a one full season when he proved unable to match the achievements at the start of the 1979 season. For the record he will undoubtedly will point that the mighty Guus Hiddink even failed to deliver the holy grail that season, when he came to replace the sacked Heynckes. 

Although the record suggests Munich are favourites – especially with the final at the Allianz Arena on May 19th – and the added motivation for Bayern is very clear. In fact there would be nothing better in terms of footballing fairy tales. But it also adds pressure as Real Madrid found out in 2010, when they slipped out of the tournament on away goals at home in the round of 16 to Lyon – and missing the final at The Santiago Bernabeu months later between Inter and Bayern Munich. 

No better way for the Real Madrid players to rid that memory than by ensuring a return flight to the Allianz Arena on May 19th.

© OSM

Join OSM news service

Chelsea No Way Says Jose

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has suggested he does not expect to meet former club Chelsea in the Champions League final.

Real will face Bayern Munich in the semi-finals after overcoming Apoel Nicosia, while Chelsea play Barcelona.

But Mourinho, who has complained that officials favour Barcelona, does not anticipate facing the Blues.

"It could be Bayern or Barcelona, I just don't think it will be Real Madrid v Chelsea and we know why," he said.

"Barcelona aren't the favourites, they are super-favourites."

Real have beaten Spanish rivals Barcelona just once in 10 meetings since Mourinho moved to the Bernabeu from Inter Milan in 2010.

Mourinho has previously claimed it is "impossible to win" at the Nou Camp and has been involved in a string of rows with the Catalan club dating back to his time at Chelsea.

On facing Bayern Munich, Mourinho said: "Bayern is a very powerful opponent.

"It is a team I know well as it is almost the same side that I played when coach of Inter Milan in the Champions League final two years ago and they have great individual players."

The Portuguese also reiterated his intention to stay at Madrid beyond this season and dismissed speculation linking him with Manchester City.

"Somebody said that I have a signed contract with Man City and it's completely untrue, so I'm not happy with news that has nothing of the truth," he insisted.

"I have two more years of contract in Madrid. Everyone knows I love England and will be back one day but no-one knows when that one day is. But it's untrue about City or any other club."

Chelsea Survive Benfica Scare

Chelsea had referee Damir Skomina and goalkeeper Petr Cech to thank as they clung on against 10-man Benfica to set up a Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

Skomina, whose performance in Arsenal's last-16 exit against AC Milan led to a three-match ban for Arsene Wenger, was at it again at Stamford Bridge as the Blues reached the last four for the sixth time in nine seasons.

Frank Lampard opened the scoring after Skomina awarded a penalty, which he duly put away.

The depleted visitors laid siege to the Chelsea goal at times and Javi Garcia set nerves jangling with an 85th-minute equaliser, but substitute Raul Meireles blasted home on the breakaway to seal a barely deserved home win in what was arguably the Blues' worst performance under Roberto Di Matteo.

Chelsea have been a bogey team for Barcelona down the years, but Pep Guardiola's all-conquering side will hardly be concerned about facing them again on the basis of this performance.

After winning 1-0 in Lisbon last week, the Blues' task looked all more simple after captain Luisao and Jardel were ruled out for the visitors, who were forced to play Javi Garcia and Emerson as makeshift centre-backs.

But despite caretaker manager Di Matteo warning of complacency, Chelsea made the most sluggish of starts and needed desperate blocks from Lampard and John Terry to keep their opponents at bay.

They finally got going and Joan Capdevila had to put his own body on the line after an eighth-minute corner fell to David Luiz, who had shaken off an ankle injury to start.

Terry vented his fury at more slack Chelsea play as Benfica continued to perform like the side that had caused Manchester United so many problems in the group stage.

But after Oscar Cardozo was booked for going through the back of Luiz, Chelsea were rightly awarded a penalty midway through the half.

Ashley Cole beat Garcia to a long ball forward and went down after a shoulder challenge from the Benfica man, Skomina immediately pointing to the spot and booking Perreira and Bruno Cesar for protesting.

Artur got a hand to Lampard's penalty but could not keep it out.

Pablo Aimar joined Cardozo in the book before the latter almost equalised on the half-hour mark, Terry clearing his half-volley off the line after a superbly-worked free-kick routine.

Branislav Ivanovic was the latest player cautioned for tripping Nicolas Gaitan, and when Skomina got his yellow card out again for Pereira's foul on John Obi Mikel, a red followed.

Ramires incredibly became the seventh player cautioned before the end of the first half, which finished with Benfica boss Jorge Jesus almost confronting the referee on the pitch.

The visitors were predictably fired up at the start of the second half and only a superb Petr Cech save from Cardozo's first-time shot kept Chelsea ahead.

It should have been 2-0 in the 50th minute when Ramires somehow let Salomon Kalou's cross run under his foot with an empty net gaping.

Emerson got a block on Torres' finish after being bamboozled by the rejuvenated striker, who then flicked a rebound wide after Artur saved from Mata.

Cardozo was withdrawn for Nelson Oliveira, with Terry soon following for Gary Cahill and Gaitan for Yannick Djalo.

Djalo soon had what looked a goalbound shot blocked behind, while Kalou shot straight at Artur on the break as an increasingly-irate Jesus was ordered to calm down by Skomina.

The Benfica fans, who were ironically chanting the name of UEFA president Michel Platini, were almost silenced when Mata drilled wide.

Djalo nodded over after Cesar was replaced by Rodrigo, Kalou fired another shot wide and Oliveira shot straight at Cech.

Mikel was the first player booked in the second half after tripping Rodrigo before Raul Meireles came on for Mata.

Cech came to the rescue again to tip Djalo's header behind but was completely powerless to prevent a completely unmarked Garcia heading in Aimar's corner.

Benfica poured forward and Oliveira wasted a great chance to dump Chelsea out before Didier Drogba came on for Torres to help see the game out, which Di Matteo's men did in stoppage-time when Meireles ran 40 yards and drilled home.

Mourinho's Madrid into Semi-final

Real Madrid coasted past APOEL Nicosia 5-2 on the night to set-up a Champions League semi-final clash with Bayern Munich.

Already leading 3-0 from the first-leg the hosts started brightly but had to wait until the 25th minute to open the scoring as Cristiano Ronaldo tapped home Marcelo's cross at the back post.

Kaka doubled Real's lead with a stunning effort from outside the area nine minutes before half-time, but the goal of the night was arguably scored by Gustavo Manduca as he pulled one back for the visitors after a flowing team move midway through the second half.

Ronaldo soon restored the hosts' two-goal advantage and substitutes Jose Maria Callejon and Angel Di Maria added further goals either side of Esteban Solari's 82nd-minute penalty for the visitors.

Jose Mourinho took the chance to rest some of his established stars as Xabi Alonso, Mesut Ozil and Karim Benzema started on the bench, but the Portuguese coach still named a strong side that had far too much for their Cypriot opponents from the off.

APOEL manager Ivan Jovanovic had claimed before the game that his side "never play with fear'' but they certainly appeared nervous early on as two defensive errors nearly handed Madrid the opener within the first four minutes.

Firstly, Gonzalo Higuain could only head William Boaventura's misguided clearance wide before Savvas Poursaitides presented Ronaldo with a great chance but the Portuguese fired straight at Urko Pardo.

Ronaldo did eventually get his 48th goal of the season when he bundled the ball home after Higuain had failed to get a telling touch on Marcelo's cross.

Hamit Altintop fluffed his lines after being played in by Higuain and Kaka saw another effort fly just over - but the Brazilian had been the pick of those on show in the first 45 and he deservedly scored the second goal with a brilliant curling effort which bent just inside Pardo's left-hand post.

The former Milan playmaker nearly replicated that effort from Ronaldo's clever pass five minutes before the break but this time saw the ball clip the outside of the post.

To APOEL's credit they took advantage of the hosts sloppiness at the beginning of the second half and gave their travelling hordes of fans a moment to treasure with 23 minutes remaining as a wonderful team move ended with Ailton slipping the ball through to Manduca, who slotted calmly past Iker Casillas to record his fourth Champions League goal of the season.

Constantinos Charalambides was denied a spectacular equaliser moments later as Casillas produced a fingertip save to divert his drive behind for a corner but Ronaldo soon put an end to any hopes of a heroic comeback as having gone all season without scoring from a free-kick he made it two in two games with a stunning effort from wide on the left.

Callejon then added a fourth as he cut in from the left to finish low beyond Pardo, but the Cypriots responded again and got their second goal when Solari netted from the spot after Aldo Adorno had been upended by Altintop.

However, Di Maria had the final say when he rounded off a fine night for the nine-times winners as he lofted a wonderful chip over Pardo.

Pep Refuses Blame on San Siro Surface

Great teams are above complaining, Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola said as he tried to avoid criticising a dreadful San Siro pitch and controversial refereeing during his team's 0-0 Champions League quarter-final first leg draw wish AC Milan on Wednesday.

"To win the Champions League, you have to overcome a lot of things, that's what makes some sportsmen better than others," Guardiola told reporters.

"Things happen and you have to overcome then."

"We have won a lot in the last four years, but we have also drawn and lost matches.

"After a draw or defeat, we have never complained about a refereeing decision or the pitch, maybe we have done so after winning but not after a draw or defeat."

Barcelona players felt they should have had a penalty early in the match when forward Alexis Sanchez appeared to be tripped by Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati.

Their players also struggled to keep their footing on a San Siro pitch where huge divots were frequently thrown up.

"If Uefa want teams to put on a spectacle, they have to overcome problems like this," Guardiola said. "I don't think it's Milan or Inter Milan's problem, I think the problem is with the stadium."

Guardiola also heaped praise on his defence, often overshadowed by the exploits of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta. Javier Mascherano and Carles Puyol snuffed out the threat of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the Milan front line.

"Mascherano and Puyol were impeccable," he said.

Benzema Brace Breaks Apoel

Real Madrid scored three goals in the last 16 minutes against Cypriot champions Apoel Nicosia, and Jose Mourinho’s side appear to have one foot in the Champions League semi-final. The Portuguese, who won Europe’s top club trophy in 2010 with Inter Milan, has never before lost a tie in the quarter-finals, and after two goals from Karim Benzema and one from substitute Kaka it seems his passage to the last four will not be impeded.

At the Pancyprian Gymnastic Association Stadium in the Cypriot capital, the home side, who became the first club in their country to reach the knockout stages of the competition this year, proved stubborn opponents for the free-scoring Spanish league leaders. The nine-times European champions, captained by goalkeeper Iker Casillas who was making his 125th appearance in Europe, dominated the match but Apoel, defended solidly to frustrate Madrid.

Benzema missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring late in the first half, in which the visitors enjoyed 70 per cent of the possession. The French striker inexplicably directed the ball over the bar from close range with the goal gaping.

The arrival of Brazilian Kaka as a replacement for forward Gonzalo Higuain midway through the second half created the breakthrough. He produced a superb cross from the left for Benzema to head powerfully home after 74 minutes.

Kaka then scored the second goal from eight metres following a surging run down the left by his fellow substitute and countryman Marcelo, who managed to cut the ball back as he was falling over.

Benzema struck again shortly before the final whistle and tapped home a delightful pass from German playmaker Mesut Ozil to put the La Liga table-toppers firmly on course for a semi-final berth.

Mourinho’s team will host Apoel at the Santiago Bernabeu a week today, and the winners of will play either Marseille or Bayern Munich in the semi-finals. Madrid continue their impressive run – in the last 39 matches they have notched up 33 victories, and scored in every single game.

Apoel Nicosia (4-4-2): Chiotis; Jorge, Oliveira (Kaka 13), Poursaitides, Boaventura; Charalambides, Pinto (Solari 72), Morais, Alexandrou (Sousa 46); Ailton, Trickovski. Goals: Benzema 74, 90, Kaka 82

Real Madrid (4-3-3): Casillas; Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao (Marcelo 64), Arbeloa; Sahin (Granero84), Khedira, Ozil; Ronaldo, Benzema, Higuain (Kaka 64).

Referee: F Brych (Germany). Att: 22,000