The German clubs reigned over Spain this week and will now square off in the showpiece decider at Wembley.
By Declan Whooley
While Dortmund kept their fans on tenterhooks after conceding two late goals to Real Madrid, they were full value for the win over two legs, and really should have put the tie to bed earlier with some good chances falling by the wayside.
In the other semi-final, Bayern had a sensational 3-0 win at the Nou Camp to dish out the second biggest win at the penultimate stage of the competition’s history. It is remarkable that such an unwanted record should be bestowed on one of the finest teams we have ever seen, but such was the case and it promises to be an intriguing game later in the month.
Here are our top five moments from the week that was.
Jose’s abrupt interview
The best interview that never was. Gabriel Clarke had to cut short the Special One when he appeared to be throwing out more than a few tit-bits on his future plans after Real’s exit at the semi-final stage.
Never has the ITV scheduling irked so many viewers.
Diego Lopez save
Ultimately it was all in vein, but at the time it kept Real Madrid still in the semi-final tie with Dortmund. Lopez was busier than he normally is at the Bernabeu, but this stop from Ilkay Gundogan was a brilliant bit of shot-stopping.
From near point-blank he denied the German footballer from finishing off a low cross from Reus. It was something else to keep Iker Casillas’ spirits down.
Robben’s curler
The task facing Barcelona was nigh on impossible going into the return-leg. Arjen Robben put paid to any feint hopes of a comeback with the first goal on the night and his second in successive games against the Catalans, and what a goal it was.
Irish nemesis David Alaba sprayed a raking ball out wide to the Dutchman who cut back and hit a lovely curling effort into the net. In his best form in years, it was the pick of the three they plundered on the night.
Benzema giving Real hope
No doubt eager to make a point having being over-looked for Gonzalo Higuain, Karim Benzema made a quick impression and gave the home side a fighting chance of making the final.
Fellow substitute Kaka teed up Ozil on the right and his first-time incoming ball was met on the run by the French striker.
He played his part in the second too minutes later when Sergio Ramos has the Bernabeu rocking, but alas, it was too little too late.
Weidenfeller keeps Ronaldo at bay
Roman Weidenfeller hardly expected to be in for a quiet night in Spain with Dortmund taking such a lead into the return leg, but the goalkeeper came up trumps when he was needed most.
There was nothing he could do about the two late goals, but made a number of key saves throughout the game, with this effort denying Ronaldo possibly his best. Guilty of perhaps making routine saves look a little more spectacular than they need to be, he has been an integral part of their European run this season, so we can forgive him for the theatrics.
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