German domination in the Champions League

Real Madrid - Borussia Dortmund
Estádio Santiago Bernabéu

After the 4 -1 thrashing Dortmund gave Real Madrid in Germany, Real Madrid needed to come out strong. The atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabéu was electric, and the merengue faithful supported their beloved blancos by unveiling this tifo with the caption ­¡Madrid vibra por ella! which is Spanish for "Madrid vibrates for her !"

The Bernabéu was ready for a fight

Real Madrid were looking to win 3-0 to win the two-legged tie. Real Madrid came out strong but Dortmund were up to the task. Four-goal first-leg hero and super striker, Robert Lewandowski had several chances on goal to put this tie of of Real's reach including hitting the crossbar. For me, the highlight of the match was Diego López's spectacular save that would have sealed the win for Dortmund.

Sergio Ramos brought Real to within one goal

For the majority of the match though, it seemed that Dortmund had everything well under control, but in the 83rd minute, Benzema scored to make the tie 4-2. In the 88th minute, Sergio Ramos scored to make the tie 4-3 and put Real within one goal of the final.

Unfortunately, it was too little too late for Real Madrid, and a well-deserving Dortmund make it to their first Champions League final since 1997.

Dortmund celebrate their finals berth

Have we seen the last of José as Real's gaffer?

I thought that overall, Real Madrid put a valiant effort and did their best to make up for the horrendous showing they had in Germany. For the third time in as many years, Real Madrid have lost in the semi-finals, having lost to Barcelona, Bayern, and now Dortmund. Their dream of their tenth European championship will have to wait. In all likelihood  this was probably José Mourinho's last European match for Real Madrid. With rumours of him going to England, and rumours that the "core" players have staged a mutiny, it is safe to say that "The Special One" has his days numbered. Good luck to Dortmund in the finals.

Barcelona - Bayern München

Camp Nou

Barcelona were trying to overturn a 4-0 deficit to the German champions, Bayern München and the culé came out strong. They unveiled their own tifo of Barça, orgull Barça! which is Catalan for "Barça, pride Barça!"

Camp Nou was also ready for a fight

Messi watched his club get thrashed by the German champions

The big news was whether FIFA World player of the year, Lionel Messi would play, and as it turned out, he was relegated to the bench.

Without their talisman, Barcelona were asking the likes of Villa, Xavi, and Villa to step up and put them back in the tie. Unfortunately for Barcelona, Bayern München were also ready for the task. Barcelona came out strong in the first half, but were unable to score with poor finishing in the final third of the pitch. It seemed that Bayern were toying with their competition because in the second half, Arjen Robben was allowed space and struck a wonderful strike around Valdés in the 49th minute. This put the game out of reach for Barça. At this point the mood in the stadium went from hope to disbelief as they saw their team fall for the second time in as many years in the semi-final.

Wonderful goal by Robben

Fàbregas sums up Barça's night

Bayern weren't done there and put two more goals past Barcelona for a 7-0 aggregate win, which is Barça's biggest loss in European competition in their history.

Bayern's win puts them back in the Champions League final were they will try and avenge last year's loss at home to Chelsea. This will also be the first all-German Champions League final.

Barcelona, in my opinion, were humiliated. They were supposed to at least defend their honour after their poor performance in Germany and they followed it up with an equally poor performance at home. The summer will probably see a major shake up at the club and I would not be surprised if they make a change in the coach. We may have seen the last of David Villa, Alexis Sánchez, Cesc Fàbregas, and Victor Valdés in Europe as Barça players.

Bayern München celebrate their second straight finals berth

For the second straight year, both Spanish giants were knocked out in the semi-finals. Full marks go to Bayern München, who were definitely the better team. This now sets up a wonderful match between the German champions and the Cinderella team of Dortmund on May 25th at Wembley Stadium.