Bayern Munich are on course for their third Champions League final in four years after a comprehensive 4-0 win over Barcelona in the first leg of the semi-final at the Allianz Arena.
Two goals from Thomas Muller and one each from Mario Gomez and Arjen Robben gave Jupp Heynckes’ side an advantage which leaves the Catalans little hope of turning things around at the Nou Camp next Wednesday.
Barcelona had eased into their possession game from the outset, but Bayern certainly had no reason to feel inferior.
For Xavi, read Javi Martinez, for a well-marshalled Messi, you could take your pick from either Robben, Muller or Franck Ribery.
Quicker to close down their opponents, Bayern were also swifter in spreading the play. It was no surprise when they crafted out a stylish opener in the 25th minute.
Arjen Robben’s cross from the right picked out Dante at the far post, and he returned the ball to the opposite post where Muller was encroaching to head in the opener with Victor Valdes unable to stop the ball before it crept in.
Their superiority was reflected in the scoreline in the 49th minute when Robben’s corner was headed down at the far post by Muller with an unmarked Gomez sweeping the ball in from underneath the crossbar.
Bayern established a three-goal cushion in the 72nd minute when Robben capped a fine individual performance by sliding the ball inside the far post after getting in around the back of Jordi Alba, who appeared to be impeded by Muller in the build-up.
Marc Bartra wasted a rare opportunity for the guests in the 76th minute before Muller wrapped things up six minutes later, tucking the ball in from close range after David Alaba got round the back of Barca’s crumbling defence.