Champions League semi-final preview: Real vs Barca for the trophy?

The Champions League semi-final draw on Friday avoided setting up an «El Clasico» in the last four, maybe saving the best for last. However, neither Real Madrid or Barcelona have their place in the final already booked as Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich are extremely tough opponents for any team in the world. Borussia did have some luck in the quarter finals though as they bagged two stoppage time goals, including one that was clearly offside, to knock out brave Malaga.

I have checked some of the sites that allow betting online today to see the odds on the semi finals and I saw that the bookmakers are not taking the German sides lightly. Take Unibet for instance, the odds for Barcelona to qualify are 1.55 while Bayern Munich are 2.35 to qualify. Real Madrid seem to have a better chance according to the bookies, they are 1.40 to qualify while Dortmund are 2.80.

But there is a very interesting fact to consider about the Real — Borussia clash. The two sides have already met in this season’s Champions League group stage and the Germans did a very good job against the Spanish giants, winning 2-1 at home and drawing 2-2 in Madrid. The two teams are in similar situations in their domestic leagues, both failing to defend the titles they won last season and fully focusing on the Champions League for the remainder of the season.

The first leg of the semi-final between Dortmund and Real will take place in Germany on April 24, exactly 24 hours after Bayern face Barcelona in the first leg of their tie. The return legs will take place the following week, with Dortmund visiting the Bernabeu on April 30 and Barca taking on Bayern on May 1.

Bayern and Barcelona last met in the quarter-finals four years ago and it was a painful tie for the Germans, the Catalans winning 5-1 on aggregate. Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is now hoping for revenge:  «We played them in 2009 and received a real thumping. I remember that game well and I don’t really like to think about it, because it was quite painful to watch. However, it’s a wonderful opportunity to show that we have improved a lot since then. Barcelona are the benchmark for me in Europe. They have won the Champions League more than any other team in the recent years,» Rummenigge said. «They are the best team in Europe at the moment, with fantastic attacking potential. I think we will see two very good games, played at the highest possible level. Furthermore, I think playing at home first is a slight advantage, contrary to the popular belief that it’s a disadvantage. I’m really excited that we will get to play the best team in Europe. I still feel Barcelona are the big favourites to win the Champions League.»

I guess I agree with Mr. Rumenigge, Barcelona are the team to beat this season but I wouldn’t rule out a German final as Dortmund are totally capable of knocking out Real Madrid. What do you think, who will play the Champions League final this season?