Champions League: El Clasico final looms after semi-final draw
Barcelona to face Pep Guardiola's Bayern Munich, Real Madrid take on Juventus in last four
The prospect of an El Clasico Champions League final remains on the cards after the semi-final draw pitted Real Madrid agaisnt Juventus, and Barcelona against Bayern Munich.
The latter tie is the more intriguing of the two as it sees former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola return to the Camp Nou for the first time since he left the club in 2012. It also gives the Spanish side the opportunity to avenge their 7-0 drubbing at the hands of the Germans at the same stage of the competition in 2013.
Both teams were impressive in their quarter-final ties this week. Barcelona were slick as they overwhelmed Paris Saint-Germain, winning 5-1 on aggregate, while Bayern roared back from a 3-1 defeat in the first leg against Porto to win the second leg 6-1.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
However, the Germans may be slight favourites ahead of the first leg at the Camp Nou on 5 May. "Barcelona do not have a good record against Bayern, winning only one of their matches in European compeition," notes The Guardian.
Real Madrid will be favourites to emerge from the other semi-final. The defending champions will face Italian club Juventus, who are in the last four of the competition for the first time since 2003.
That game also sees a manager return to one of his former clubs. Real boss Carlo Ancelotti was in charge of the Turin side from 1999 to 2001.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The Onion is having a very ironic laugh with Infowars
The Explainer The satirical newspaper is purchasing the controversial website out of bankruptcy
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
'Rahmbo, back from Japan, will be looking for a job? Really?'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
What's next for electric vehicles under Trump?
Today's Big Question And what does that mean for Tesla's Elon Musk?
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
The 'Swiss model' shaking up the Champions League
In The Spotlight Uefa says the new format offers 'greater excitement' but critics say boredom is guaranteed
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
The European Super League: a 90th-minute reprieve?
Why everyone's talking about A European court ruling has potentially breathed new life into the breakaway football league
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
‘Genuine visionary’: is Pep Guardiola the greatest of all time?
feature Spaniard has now won two trebles following Man City’s Champions League triumph
By The Week Staff Published
-
Champions League final: Man City vs. Inter predictions and preview
feature Can Guardiola’s team finally win the Champions League and complete a historic treble?
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Uefa Champions League 2022-2023 guide: group stage draw and key dates
feature Liverpool face Rangers while Man City’s Erling Haaland has a reunion with Dortmund
By Mike Starling Published
-
Uefa Champions League final: blame game begins for chaos in Paris
feature Liverpool call for an investigation as Uefa are accused of a ‘narrative of lies’
By Mike Starling Published
-
2022 Uefa Champions League final: Liverpool vs. Real Madrid preview, predictions and TV
feature Everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s showpiece in Paris
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Karim Benzema: Panenkas, hat-tricks and a Ballon d’Or?
Why Everyone’s Talking About Real Madrid’s French striker was sensational yet again in the Champions League
By Mike Starling Published