Semifinalists profile

After the latest round of UEFA Champions League games, only four teams remain going into the semi-finals: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund; arguably the two biggest teams from their respective nations, Spain and Germany. Full match details can be found on UEFA’s official website, where you can also follow the latest team and news.

The draw for the UCL semi-finals saw the Spanish giants face their German counterparts; with Bundesliga newly-crowned champions Bayern Munich facing La Liga top team Barcelona, and last year’s German titleholders Borussia Dortmund locking horns with Real Madrid. Both teams have strong chances to be crowned champions of Europe, so it would be very interesting to look at each team’s strong points and keys to victory.

Bayern Munich vs Barcelona

Bayern Munich

Having dominated the Bundesliga this season, with the title already secured by early April, this formidable Bayern Munich side is now free to concentrate all their efforts on the Champions League. Despite having a side full of household names, there are no superstars in this team dominating the headlines and the plaudits over others. Simply a great football team playing together as much more than the sum of the parts. This Bayern side is relentless, supremely efficient and know how to get the job done. Having lost last year’s final on penalties, they will be looking to set things right this time around. 

FC Barcelona

Widely considered to be the best club team in the world, and perhaps of all-time, Barcelona have plenty in their favor and are the favourites to win the trophy. With their short-passing and possession based playing style, other teams have to work very hard against them just to get hold of the ball and with players of the quality of Andres Iniesta, Xavi and the mercurial Lionel Messi, they will create a lot of goalscoring chances. However, in recent weeks the team has under-performed slightly and will need to be back at their best if they are to proceed. If this team plays to its full capability, it will be hard to look past them.

Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid

Borussia Dortmund

The displaced champions of Germany are the outsiders of the four semi-finalists, but the underdog tag could well work in their favor. Like Bayern, they are a team who work together for the cause and know how to grind out results. There is a flamboyance to the team as well though and they are capable of playing creative and entertaining football. Dortmund will have to be at their very best if they are to reach the final, but this team is capable and should not be ruled out. 

Real Madrid

The most successful team in the history of the UCL, having won the trophy nine times, Real Madrid will be looking to add to that tally this year. Their domestic form has been under-par this term, but in Europe, they have swept past all challengers, including Manchester United and Galatasaray. Led by their talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo, whose goal scoring record is phenomenal, Madrid’s strengths lie in organization and pace. With the wily Jose Mourinho in charge in what is thought to be his last season as boss, they are the most tactically sound team left in the competition. If it is indeed his swansong, he will want to leave on a high and Madrid’s players are looking to compensate for their poor league form.

The first leg match between Bayern Munich and Barcelona will be on April 23rd, while the the first clash between Dortmund and Real Madrid is scheduled the next day, April 24th.