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Tuesday April 22 2014
Ancelotti confident on Ronaldo
By Football Espana staff
Real Madrid Coach Carlo Ancelotti says Cristiano Ronaldo will only line up against Bayern Munich if he is fully fit.
The Italian tactician is however confident that this will be the case when they face the German champions tomorrow evening.
He also claimed that his side’s quest to win a historic tenth Champions League title was not an obsession.
“Cristiano trained normally and well today,” Ancelotti said at the pre-match Press conference. “We still have another session but it’s clear that he will play if everyone thinks he can play without any problems.
“We are confident he will play but we will make a final decision tomorrow.
“Bale is very happy, he has confidence just like all the team. After what he did against Barcelona it’s normal that he has more confidence.
“The team was solid and compact against Barca and tomorrow it will be the same. Barcelona are not Bayern but their philosophy is the same.
“We need to show a strong work ethic and control the game in order to show our quality.
“I can’t say that getting to the semi-finals has been a success. The target in this competition is always to reach the final.
“We are still not there. We need to fight for 180 minutes against a strong team.
“Reaching the semi-finals is not a success but a team who reaches four semi-finals in a row isn’t doing badly.
“Time has improved our game and our quality. Winning the tournament for the tenth time isn’t an obsession, it’s a motivation. We want to do it and we will do everything possible tomorrow.
“Guardiola did a great job with Barca and now he is doing the same with Bayern. The important thing for us though is to play well tomorrow.
“We will need to crowd to get behind us and help us.”
Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale have trained on Tuesday morning, with both thought to be fit for Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final.
The Portugal international has been out for the last three weeks with a knee complaint and a slight muscle injury.
But the Ballon d’Or winner has completed a second successive session, and is expected to start against Bayern Munich at Santiago Bernabeu later this week.
Bale meanwhile, also took a full part in Tuesday’s training after he sat out Monday with a bout of flu.
The Wales international is also expected to be a part of the European Cup clash against the Bavarian outfit.
Cech forced off against Atletico Madrid with rib injury
By Chris Davie
Apr 22, 2014 8:04:00 PM
The 31-year-old collided with Raul Garcia in the first half and was subsequently replaced by Mark Schwarzer
Petr Cech was forced off with a rib injury during Chelsea's Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.
The 31-year-old collided with Raul Garcia after 15 minutes and required lengthy treatment on the pitch before being replaced by Mark Schwarzer.
Cech had returned to Chelsea's starting side after missing Saturday's 2-1 defeat at home to Sunderland because of a virus.
On-loan Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also started the first leg at the Vicente Calderon.
Reports had initially suggested that the 21-year-old was unable to feature against his parent club unless Atletico paid a fee but Uefa confirmed prior to the semi-final draw that the Belgian was able to play as any contract clause between the two sides was "null, void and unenforceable".
Atletico 0-0 Chelsea: Jose Mourinho masterminds Madrid stalemate but Blues suffer injuries blows to both John Terry and Petr Cech in feisty Champions League affair
By Martin Samuel
Published: 20:43 GMT, 22 April 2014 | Updated: 01:44 GMT, 23 April 2014
There will be a lot of guff about the enemies of football bandied about after this, so let’s cut to the chase. If David Moyes could have pulled off a performance or two like this in Europe this season — or even away at Manchester City or Liverpool — he would have been hailed as a tactical genius.Dull football is only truly dull when it fails. A goalless draw away from home to the best team in La Liga isn’t truly dull.
Would Chelsea win La Liga? No. Then are Atletico Madrid a better team than Chelsea right now? Yes.
So do Chelsea have any realistic hope of coming to the Vicente Calderon stadium and playing Atletico Madrid off the park with attacking, cavalier football? No.
So do they have to find a way to get them back to Stamford Bridge and win there? Yes. And that is exactly what they did. If Manchester United were in Chelsea’s position in the Champions League right now, Moyes would still be in a job. Fact.
Angry scenes: There were several melees in the second half with most of the players on the pitch involved
Aggression: Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta is grabbed by Atletico captain Gabi
Down: Chelsea skipper John Terry had to be substituted in the second half
Consoling: He was devastated that his game had come to an end but Chelsea hung on for the draw
Ouch! John Terry gives the thumbs up but he was forced off the pitch with a ankle injury
MATCH FACTS
Atletico Madrid: Courtois 6, Juanfran 6.5, Miranda 6, Godin 7, Filipe Luis 7, Raul Garcia 7 (Villa 86), Gabi 6.5, Mario Suarez 7 (Sosa 80), Koke 7, Diego 7 (Turan 60), Diego Costa 6.
Subs: Aranzubia, Tiago, Rodriguez, Alderweireld. Yellow: Gabi, Miranda
Chelsea: Cech 6 (Schwarzer 18 6.5), Azpilicueta 7, Cahill 8, Terry 7 (Schurrle 73), Cole 6.5, Mikel 6.5, Luiz 6, Lampard 6.5, Ramires 6, Torres 5.5, Willian 7 (Ba 90). Subs: Oscar, van Ginkel, Ake, Kalas. Yellows: Lampard, Mikel, Ba
Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden) Attendance: 50,000
That Jose Mourinho got this draw without his best player, Eden Hazard, his main striker, Samuel Eto’o, his goalkeeper Petr Cech for 72 minutes and his captain John Terry for the final 20 makes it even more of an achievement.
Chelsea are familiar with triumph in adversity in this competition and although this was only a draw it still felt like victory, of sorts.
Chelsea clung on, particularly in the second half. It came at a cost, but then performances like this always do.
Frank Lampard picked up a booking for a foul on Turkish winger Arda Turan and will miss the return leg. Soon after, when he tried to control the ball with his upper torso and got too much of his upper arm on it, Atletico’s players surrounded Jonas Eriksson, the referee, in a crass attempt to get him dismissed.
Eriksson rightly resisted but punished the most aggressive offenders in the melee, John Mikel Obi and Gabi of Atletico.
Both are now suspended from the second leg also, although Gabi, as Atletico’s captain, is the greater loss.
Unhappy: Jose Mourinho points out something he doesn't agree with on the pitch
Jumping: Gary Cahill puts Thibaut Courtois under serious pressure from a Chelsea corner
Under pressure: Raul Garcia gets up high to beat Ashley Cole in the air
Ouch! Raul Garcia bumped into Petr Cech and the Chelsea keeper felt the full force of the challenge
Decision: The Chelsea medical staff take a look at the Czech keeper before deciding he has to go off
Off: Petr Cech had to be helped off the pitch midway through the first half after injuring his arm
What is the difference, then, between Mourinho dull and Sam Allardyce dull?
Well, playing negative football to secure a mid-table finish seems pretty unambitious all round.
Circling the wagons against a team that knocked out Barcelona in the last round in a bid to reach the Champions League final may be a necessary evil.
The moment Cech was lost to the game less than midway through the first half, this had the feel of a rearguard action; and while Mark Schwarzer, his replacement, wasn’t exactly the hero of the night he made at least one save, possibly two, that kept Chelsea in the game.
In future years there may be a quiz question along the lines of, ‘Which team played three goalkeepers in the first 18 minutes of a Champions League semi-final?’
The answer, of course, will be Chelsea. Cech, who got injured, Schwarzer, the substitute, and Thibaut Courtois up the other end in the shirt of Atletico Madrid.
Courtois’ loan status having been such a hot potato going into this game, it was only to be expected that any drama would centre on the issue of keepers, and sure enough, with the tie just 17 minutes old, there it was. Atletico Madrid won a corner which Raul Garcia attacked with gusto, his momentum greatly increased by an untimely shove from David Luiz.
Close: Gabi fires in a free-kick which Mark Schwarzer was forced to parry
Out: Frank Lampard is shown a yellow card for a rash challenge and will miss the second leg
Close call: It could have been worse for Lampard who stayed on the pitch despite a hand-ball
Overhead kick: Diego Costa goes for an acrobatic attempt as he holds off David Luiz
SUPER STAT
Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid are the only team unbeaten in the Champions League this season (they now have eight wins and three draws).
Garcia clattered into Cech, who instantly signalled that he needed a replacement. At first a head injury was feared, but it was later revealed that he had suffered a damaged shoulder in the nasty fall.
Either way, he was unable to continue and Schwarzer entered the action, fresh from a less than convincing performance in Saturday’s Premier League defeat at home to Sunderland.
If only Chelsea had a brilliant young goalkeeper waiting in the wings for his moment. Ah well.
Courtois is too good, Chelsea’s hierarchy feel, to hang about on the off chance that Cech gets beaten into submission by one of his own players, hence his three season loan transfers to Atletico, and the pre-match row over his availability.
Atletico were going to have to pay an extra £5million to play him against his parent club, until UEFA intervened, citing such quaint old concepts as competition integrity. Bit too late for that now, lads.
Taking command: Frank Lampard heads the ball away to clear Chelsea's lines
Blow: David Luiz received a bash to the ear and spent some time on the ground
Vocal: Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone tries to get his instructions over to his side
Schwarzer, at 41, was the only person on the pitch who was even born the last time Atletico reached the last four in this tournament in 1974 — they defeated Celtic, but lost the final to a mighty Bayern Munich team — but even he looked nervous when Koke floated a cross to Garcia’s head in the 30th minute.
Schwarzer’s hesitancy off his line would have made Chelsea’s travelling few fear the worst, but he redeemed himself four minutes later, even if he failed to receive credit for it. Deep-lying midfielder Mario Suarez struck a lovely, low shot from 25 yards which Schwarzer diverted with his fingertips.
The deflection was too subtle to be noticed by Eriksson, however, and a goal-kick was given. The official behind the goal — who would almost certainly have had a better view of it — was, as ever, completely useless. No surprise there.
Schwarzer’s second-half save from Gabi was more tangible, a dipping free-kick in the 75th minute that was as close as Atletico got to breaking this deadlock.
Making a nuisance of himself: Torres tries to pinch the ball away from Diego Godin
Long legs: Frank Lampard stretches to block a shot from Diego in the early minutes of the game
Safe hands: Chelsea's on-loan keeper Thibaut Courtois catches the ball in his area
Tussle: John Obi Mikel holds off Diego Costa as the Spanish striker hopes to win back the ball
Yet La Liga’s leaders were, for the most part, disappointing and none more so than Chelsea target Diego Costa, whose record suggests this was an off night, rather than a true reflection of his ability.
Atletico had plenty of possession but to little effect. Chelsea threw a defensive cordon across the middle of the pitch, and another sitting even deeper in case the first didn’t work.
Costa had a shot charged down with trademark Chelsea bravery by Cesar Azpilicueta in the 41st minute, but there was little to suggest his mooted £32m fee would represent value for money this summer.
It was an exemplary containing job by Chelsea, but the trade-off for it was that they barely threatened, either.
Hiding behind the ball: Ramires keeps his body in front of Koke
All smiles: Spain manager Vicente del Bosque (centre back) was in the stands watching some of his players
Foul! Lampard goes to ground under a challenge from Atletico midfielder Raul Garcia
Effort on goal: Atletico midfielder Diego tries his luck from distance but his shot was blocked
Fernando Torres, returning to the club where he is still idolised — and there were plenty of F. TORRES 9 Atletico Madrid shirts knocking about — barely had a touch of significance.
A smart little dribble in the 59th minute looked good, but ended in a weak shot, and when Willian broke after 27 minutes and fed Ramires, the Brazilian attempted to replicate his chipped goal on the counter- attack against Barcelona two years ago, to no avail. Torres was screaming for a pass at the far post but his pleas went unheeded.
He will need to be more involved at Stamford Bridge, as will Chelsea, if this is to have real purpose.
Eyes on the ball: Brazilian winger Willian chases after Atletico defender Juanfran
Looking for a break: Torres races after the ball under pressure from Mario Suarez
Support: Atletico fans hold up a banner as the players walk out onto the pitch
Nervous energy: The Chelsea starting eleven line-up before the game
Rueful glare: Mourinho has much to contemplate on the Chelsea bench
Party atmosphere: Atletico fans making themselves heard in the Vicente Calderon Stadium
Watching from the bench: Nemanja Matic (left) was cup-tied and Branislav Ivanovic was suspended
Famous face: Formula 1 analyst and former team boss Eddie Jordan was in Madrid for the game
The Argentine said his side were unfortunate not to get the goal they were looking for at the Vicente Calderon but admits Jose Mourinho's men are now favourites to progress
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone described Tuesday's scoreless draw with Champions League semi-final opponents Chelsea as an "intense" affair and admitted the result favours the Blues ahead of next week's second leg at Stamford Bridge.
The Liga leaders were the far more enterprising of the two sides but struggled to penetrate a resilient visiting back four, despite the constant stream of crosses into the English outfit's 18-yard box.
Diego Costa saw a volleyed effort charged down in the first half, while Gabi's free-kick from distance was well held by substitute Mark Schwarzer, who replaced the injured Petr Cech in the first half.
Chelsea defender John Terry also came off in the second period with an ankle problem, but Simeone feels the visitors will be the happier of the two sides after a 0-0 draw in the Spanish capital.
"It was a tough game where nobody could get an advantage," said the Argentine.
"We could not find the goal that would have won the match. It was an intense game with both sides fighting to get to the final.
"They have the advantage with this draw, but whoever wins the next game will go to the final."
Mourinho gamble leaves Chelsea chances on a knife edge
Apr 22, 2014 10:45:00 PM
Chelsea went to the Vicente Calderon and defended well to earn a clean sheet but they have gained no advantage in the tie
By Peter Staunton
They came, they saw, they defended. This was a performance of so little ambition by Chelsea that it would be a surprise to find one person who enjoyed it other than Jose Mourinho and his staff. The Portuguese planned for this one without key attackers Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto'o and so there was never going to be an all-out siege on the Atletico Madrid goal. In that respect, a diligent display from the Chelsea number was rewarded with a clean sheet.
Above all else, parity remains in the tie.
But it's not that simple. The limited scope of Chelsea's intentions at the Vicente Calderon represents a huge gamble for Mourinho and his team. It is one thing defending stoutly at home in the first leg of a Champions League tie before attempting to nick the second, it is another thing altogether to attempt the pattern in reverse.
Mourinho has won the Champions League twice - with Porto and Inter - and on those occasions he played every first-leg knockout tie at home. He knows how to win the tournament but he has never done it in this order.
Chelsea have taken heart from their 0-0 draw but Atletico, despite failing to erode those English foundations, will be more pleased with the outcome.
A home clean sheet is the most important element in any Champions League knockout tie. In the quarter-finals, three of the four teams who went through avoided conceding in their own back yard. That zero beside Chelsea's name rather than the one next to Atletico's counts for more.
Atletico, themselves, are not an electrifying team. This was not a just case of Chelsea stifling them and disrupting the rhythm of their game. In honesty, they lacked the guile and intuition to break down what was in front of them. It showcased their attacking limitations when faced with a puzzle like Mourinho set.
They will, however, be far more comfortable in the atmosphere of the second leg when the onus, however more slightly, will be on Chelsea to come out and play. Diego Simeone's chief strengths are not those passes at the edge of the area, probing for that one golden chance like Bayern Munich or Barcelona.
They enjoy being on the other end of that, soaking up pressure in their well-drilled back four before hitting with the promptness and accuracy of their midfield work. Their results against Real Madrid and Barcelona this season will testify to that.
Of course, we could very well receive more of the same from Mourinho at Stamford Bridge. He will be without Frank Lampard and Jon Obi Mikel, suspended, and Petr Cech, who suffered a dislocated shoulder. John Terry, too, will be doubtful, while there are no guarantees of Hazard or Eto'o's participation.
Penalties at the end of another gruelling 0-0 draw and extra time could well be looming. His Chelsea teams have scored only one goal in all their five of their Champions League semi-final matches now.
Atletico are a team who have specialised on agitating esteemed opponents this season. One meaningful swing of Diego Costa's boot at the Bridge could render all Chelsea's efforts in Spain worthless.
Fans will tolerate dour football so long as trophies are forthcoming. But if Chelsea fail to shut out Atletico again? Well, even a worm will turn.
Atletico captain Gabi frustrated by Chelsea tactics
By Alec Fenn
Apr 22, 2014 10:26:00 PM
The midfielder was disappointed by the Rojiblancos' inability to break the Blues down at the Vicente Calderon but believes the tie remains open ahead of the return clash in London
Atletico Madrid captain Gabi admitted his frustration at Chelsea's spoiling tactics after the first leg of their Champions League semi-final ended in a 0-0 draw.
The two sides went into the game boasting the best defences in La Liga and the Premier League and a war of attrition duly ensued, with little in the way of goalmouth action.
Atletico enjoyed 62 per cent of the possession on the night, though, and 26 shots on goal compared to just five from the Blues, in a clash that will not linger long in the memory.
The result favours the English club heading into the second leg, with forward duo Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto'o set to return for Jose Mourinho's men, and Gabi admitted the Rojiblancos had been left bitterly frustrated by the way the first leg unfolded.
He told reporters: "We're not satisfied, but the tie is still open. Atletico wanted to win from start to finish. We knew they would not concede a goal easily and we come away with a bad taste."
Colchoneros defender Juanfran was quick to echo the sentiments of his team-mate, but added that he remains confident of going to Stamford Bridge and securing either a victory or a score draw.
"We are not happy," he admitted. "We wanted to get the win. But they played a defensive game because they think they can win at Stamford Bridge.
"However, we also think we can win. I knew that tonight wouldn’t be easy. But tonight's result means it will be a great match at Stamford Bridge."
Atletico remain unbeaten in the competition this season, but the 0-0 draw means they have failed to win at home for the first time in this season's Champions League campaign.
The Chelsea goalkeeper collided with Raul Garcia in the first half of the Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid, being withdrawn after just 15 minutes
Petr Cech has been ruled out for the rest of the season after dislocating his shoulder during Chelsea's 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg.
The 31-year-old collided with Raul Garcia after 15 minutes and required lengthy treatment on the pitch before being replaced by Mark Schwarzer and Jose Mourinho confirmed the extent of the injury after the game.
"Petr Cech's season is over," the Chelsea manager told reporters.
Cech had returned to Chelsea's starting side after missing Saturday's 2-1 defeat at home to Sunderland because of a virus, and is joined by captain John Terry, who injured his ankle, on the sidelines.
On-loan Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also started the first leg at the Vicente Calderon.
Reports had initially suggested that the 21-year-old was unable to feature against his parent club unless Atletico paid a fee but Uefa confirmed prior to the semi-final draw that the Belgian was able to play as any contract clause between the two sides was "null, void and unenforceable".
Chelsea were 'good' against Atletico, claims Schwarzer
By Harry West
Apr 22, 2014 11:07:00 PM
A dogged defensive display from Jose Mourinho's side will see the two teams head into next week's second leg level, with the veteran keeper replacing the injured Petr Cech
Mark Schwarzer hailed Chelsea's determination after their 0-0 draw at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg.
The veteran goalkeeper was unexpectedly called into action in the 18th minute in Vicente Calderon on Tuesday after Petr Cech fell awkwardly in an aerial challenge and suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder.
Captain John Terry was also taken off injured with an ankle problem, while Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel will be suspended for the return clash after picking up yellow cards during the second half.
On being called into action from the bench, the 41-year-old explained it was part and parcel of being a goalkeeper, telling ITV: "There's not much to think about. It happened so quick.
"It's a tough thing to do, but I had to go out there and try to do my job.
"Everyone was right up for it, which you would expect. We knew if we matched their determination our quality would come through. Okay, we didn't create many chances but it was a good performance."
Cesar Azpilicueta, who made a brave block from Diego Costa in the first half, echoed the sentiments of his Chelsea team-mate.
"It's a positive result," he said. "We knew it would be a difficult atmosphere.
"We fought hard and tried to keep the ball but the important thing is that we have the second leg at home.
"The players we will be missing are very important but we will fight to win."
"We tried wide, we tried inside, but couldn't get through," said Diego Simeone after Club Atlético de Madrid were held 0-0 by Chelsea FC, José Mourinho satisfied with the draw.
Diego Simeone, Atlético coach
It was a tough game, a Champions League semi-final in which no one could take the advantage. We could not score the goal that would have decided the match.
I wanted to have more options in midfield [by starting Diego there], to assist [Diego] Costa. I think we're looking for alternatives. [José] Sosa did well, Arda [Turan] did well. In the end it was 0-0. It was an intense game with everybody fighting to get through to the final, but Chelsea have the advantage with this draw.
Both teams tried to play in the way they thought best. They defended well. We tried wide, we tried inside, but couldn't get through. The result leaves the tie open. Now to see what happens next week. We're playing for something great.
José Mourinho, Chelsea manager
Petr Čech's season is over[with a dislocated shoulder]. He won't play again this season, but I hope he can at least celebrate something with us. For John [Terry, substituted in the second half with an ankle injury], we will have to reach the final for him to play again.
I think the result reflects the game. [Thibaut] Courtois hasn't had a difficult save to make, nor has [Mark] Schwarzer. It was a match for men: tough, tactical, obviously with more possession for Atlético. But with all the problems we had before and during the game we finished the match with this result and we will play the game of our lives at home.
I wanted to win 5-0 and be in the final, but knew that would be very difficult. It is not easy leave this ground without losing and come out with a draw. It is not a great result, but a result that lets us play our final at Stamford Bridge.
[Gary] Cahill did a great job, David [Luiz] started in midfield so it was not easy for him to step back to centre-back [when John Terry went off]. Ashley Cole was amazing after weeks without playing. Nando [Torres] was unbelievable. Every player gave everything. So I am very pleased with them.
Against Milan [Atlético had already] won the first leg, Barça [they drew] 1-1 away, today was the first time they had played a match here where they were trying to win. Nobody, well not us, started the game thinking of 0-0. But it goes in a certain direction and you feel you must be safe and not concede. We had a few chances to score, but we didn't. So we come away with a result which means the tie will be decided at Stamford Bridge.
Carlo Ancelotti set out a cautious approach for a Real Madrid CF team hoping to have Cristiano Ronaldo fit, and FC Bayern München's Josep Guardiola keen to face him.
Real Madrid CF must be compact defensively and "take control" of their home encounter with FC Bayern München if they are to lay a platform to reach the UEFA Champions League final for the first time since 2002.
Above all, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is seeking a balance between trying to establish a lead to take to Bavaria next Tuesday and remaining vigilant at the back in the first leg of the sixth European Cup semi-final between the teams. Josep Guardiola is hopeful that injury doubt Cristiano Ronaldo will play for a side he knows very well from his time at FC Barcelona, though he described that as "another club at another time and in another situation."
Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti, coach
We need to work hard, stay compact in defence and take control of the game in order to show our quality. We are in an important semi-final and we are more driven than anyone to win this competition, which is an advantage and a great motivation for us, not an obsession.
We are not going to try and stop the opposition from playing; we will try and use our quality to win. Balance, as always, is fundamental and we have to be compact across the pitch.
We are only thinking about the match. They may be a nemesis for Madrid, but not for me. I am confident in my team and in my players. We are not only thinking about [Franck] Ribéry, we're thinking about the team as a whole. Despite everything, we are focusing on our own team. This is the most important thing for coping with the pressure.
We're playing against a very strong team. It does not matter if people think we're not the favourites. We'll do the best possible and the best side will win. My goal is to play in the final. We have to fight hard against a tough team, but reaching four semi-finals in a row is not bad.
Weekend result
No game
• Madrid have not played since 16 April, when a solo goal from Gareth Bale, his fifth strike in as many games, earned a 2-1 victory against FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final. It is the 19th time the Merengues have lifted the trophy.
Team news
Cristiano Ronaldo, out with knee and hamstring problems since 2 April, will undergo a fitness test on Wednesday. "If he is well he'll play, but if there is a risk of a relapse he won't," said Ancelotti. Bale has recovered from the flu while Marcelo, who has been sidelined with hamstring trouble, "is not 100%". He will start on the bench, with Fábio Coentrão starting. Álvaro Arbeloa and Jesé Rodríguez are out with knee injuries.
Bayern
Josep Guardiola, coach
I'm always very happy to play a Champions League semi-final and come to Madrid with a team like Bayern. We need to play well and get a result.
My stats at the Bernabéu were with another club at another time and in another situation. It has nothing to do with Bayern. If we win we will have to put on a very good performance. Madrid are always special, with this coach or another, with these players or with others. They are the toughest of opponents who are always lurking in the semi-finals. They have a great coaching staff.
I hope [Ronaldo] plays. We play for people who want to see the best. He is among the best. If he doesn't play, they play in a different way. They can play 4-3-3 or 4-4-2, as in the Copa del Rey final.
Cristiano is a goalscorer, Isco gives you more control and possession, [Karim] Benzema gives you stability, [Sergio] Ramos, Xabi [Alonso] and [Luka] Modrić can play the ball from the back ... and with Bale, Cristiano, [Ángel] di María and Benzema, they can kill with space. We'll try to attack and defend as we always do.
It is very difficult to win the Champions League. The great teams are always here. I'm very proud of my team. We won the Bundesliga in March, we are in the [German] Cup final and in the semi-finals of the Champions League. It's not easy and we've won games playing well. We have been consistent, though down a bit recently, but I'm happy with the last game because we did not play well, but recovered our team spirit.
• Bayern ended a three-game winless league run since clinching the title at Hertha BSC Berlin on 25 March. They reached their domestic cup final last Wednesday, beating 1. FC Kaiserslautern 5-1 to set up a Borussia Dortmund showdown in Berlin on 17 May.
Team news
David Alaba was unavailable at the weekend due to illness, while Thiago Alcántara (knee), Diego Contento (foot) and Xherdan Shaqiri (thigh) will not feature in the Spanish capital. Manuel Neuer missed the weekend game with a calf injury but is optimistic of facing Madrid. Lukas Raeder filled in for Neuer on Saturday as Tom Starke was out with an elbow injury.
Match fact
The sides have met in five European Cup semi-finals with Bayern prevailing in 1976, 1987, 2001 and 2012; Madrid's sole win came in 2000.
The goalkeeper suffered a dislocated shoulder in Chelsea's goalless draw with Atletico Madrid, while the club's captain picked up an ankle injury
Jose Mourinho has confirmed Petr Cech will miss the rest of the season with a dislocated shoulder and says Chelsea would need to reach the final of the Champions League in order for John Terry to play again this term.
Cech collided with Raul Garcia in the first half of Chelsea's goalless draw with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening and was taken straight to hospital for scans.
Terry, meanwhile, landed awkwardly on his ankle after Diego Costa stepped on his foot in the 71st minute. The Chelsea captain attempted to continue but was forced to withdraw as he was unable to move freely.
"Petr Cech's season is over," Mourinho told reporters after the match.
"For John [Terry], we will have to play the final for him to play again."
The duo will now miss Sunday's Premier League title clash with Liverpool at Anfield along with Chelsea's Champions League semi-final second leg with Atletico at Stamford Bridge on April 30.
John Obi Mikel and Frank Lampard will also be absent for the second leg due to suspension but Branislav Ivanovic will be available after serving his ban.
Breitner: Bayern and Madrid have both had problems
By Stefan Coerts
Apr 23, 2014 12:27:00 PM
The 62-year-old expects an evenly balanced encounter when two of his former teams lock horns at the Santiago Bernabeu
Former Germany international Paul Breitner feels Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are in a similar situation heading into the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final tie as they have both had their difficulties in the past few weeks.
Bayern lost their unbeaten status in Bundesliga following defeats against Augsburg and Borussia Dortmund, while Madrid were beaten by Barcelona and Sevilla in La Liga.
Nevertheless, Breitner has little doubt that both sides will be back to their usual best when they lock horns at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.
"There have been a few parallels between the two clubs over the past two or three weeks. Real, like Bayern, have taken a breather," Breitner told Bayern's official website.
"They could have conceded four, five or six goals at Dortmund and then they would have been knocked out.
"Real Madrid and Bayern both know when they have to concentrate fully and when they can ease off a bit. I think there’s great mutual respect between the teams.
"But I hear the same things in Madrid and Munich: 'We'll go through.' Every side thinks the other is a bit weaker.
"All matches between Real and Bayern are passionate, so it’ll be another exciting encounter on Wednesday. That's all part of it."
Bayern and Madrid last met in the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2011-12, when the Bundesliga champions eventually emerged victorious after penalties.
Real Madrid 1-0 Bayern Munich: Karim Benzema gives hosts the advantage in Champions League semi-final
By Matt Barlow
Published: 15:36 EST, 23 April 2014 | Updated: 17:59 EST, 23 April 2014
After the grime, the glamour. And Madrid — which has dubbed itself the ‘Capital of Champions’ for the purposes of this week’s semi-finals — delivered something to match.
It was crammed with quality and pace. There were times when it flowed and pulsated, whereas Chelsea and Atletico had grunted and grappled 24 hours earlier.
There were times also when it became a little more disjointed and Karim Benzema scored the only goal to fuel the Real Madrid dream of a 10th European title and loosen Bayern Munich’s grip on the title.
But it could have been worse for the holders. Real had enough chances to have settled the tie and be booking their flights to the Champions League final for the first time since they won it in 2002.
Euro delight: Karim Benzema celebrates after scoring Real Madrid's sole goal in their 1-0 victory
Composed: Benzema (left) scores the opening goal as Bayern's David Alaba can do nothing but look on
To the rescue: Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas makes a late save to deny Bayern's Mario Gotze
Frustration: Pep Guardiola (left) makes his feelings known as Carlo Ancelotti looks on
MATCH FACTS
Real Madrid: Casillas 7, Carvajal 6, Fabio Coentrao 6.5, Alonso 6.5, Pepe 7 (Varane 73, 6), Ramos 7, Modric 7, Isco 6 (Illarramendi 82), Benzema 7.5, Di Maria 5.5, Ronaldo 7 (Bale 74, 7)
Subs not used: Marcelo, Casemiro, Morata, Lopez Goal: Benzema 19 Booking: Isco Manager: Carlo Ancelotti 7
Subs not used: Pizarro, Weiser, Zingerie, Raeder Manager: Pep Guardiola 6 Man of the Match: Karim Benzema
Referee: Howard Webb 7
*Player ratings by MATT BARLOW at the Santiago Bernabeu
Pep Guardiola seemed relieved to escape with only a 1-0 deficit and praised his team’s ‘personality’ but he claimed it was ‘impossible to control’ the counter-attacking power of Real for 90 minutes.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel di Maria were the most creative and at the same time the most wasteful players in white and these missed chances will nag away at them over the next six days. ‘We could have scored more,’ said Carlo Ancelotti. ‘We have a bit of an advantage and that’s it. We are going to suffer. We have to give everything we have.’
Bayern, aiming for a third successive final, may have lost a shade of their invincibility since winning the Bundesliga but they opened last night with pace and intent, dominating Real in midfield. Ancelotti said his team were too shy.
There were flashes of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben and fluent passing patterns from the visitors.
A shot on the spin from Robben deflected wide and Bastian Schweinsteiger planted a free header too close to Iker Casillas.
Bayern were on the attack when they went behind. Pepe blocked from Toni Kroos and Real broke with the sort of lethal speed Guardiola spoke about.
In the air: Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) jumps above Alaba (2nd left) and Dante for the ball
At close quarters: Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery (left) is closed down by Real's Daniel Carvajal
Pulling the trigger: Benzema celebrates in a unique way after his goal at the Santiago Bernabeu
High five: Ronaldo is replaced in the 74th minute by Welshman Gareth Bale
Helping hand: Bayern Munich's Philipp Lahm and Real's Gareth Bale (right) challenge for a header
Diving in: Bayern's Brazilian defender Dante (left) makes the tackle on Real's Angel di Maria
Appeal: Bayern Munich's Thomas Muller (centre) argues for a penalty to no avail
Ronaldo unzipped the Germans with a splendid pass to Fabio Coentrao, who galloped down the left on the overlap and slid the ball across goal for Benzema to apply a simple finish. The incredible noise in the arena energised Ancelotti’s team. Ronaldo headed Di Maria’s swerving cross straight at Neuer and wasted an even easier chance when he fired over with his right foot.
He was furious with his mistake. It was not a difficult chance. He was all alone near the penalty spot but it was not a sitter. Sound technique was required to strike a ball zipping from the turf. The self-styled world’s best player could not keep it down and he was angry.
Between the two exceptional Ronaldo chances, Real had out-numbered Bayern on another slick breakaway but Di Maria opted to shoot when he might have released Ronaldo and Neuer saved.
Boiling over: Ronaldo shows his frustrations after failing to score in the Champions League semi-final first leg
Shut eye: Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos (left) clears the ball as Bayern's Bastian Schweinsteiger chases
On the ball: Schweinsteiger looks to challenge Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso (centre)
Acrobatics: Pepe (left) and Sergio Ramos (centre) rise high to clear the ball from Ribery
Pulling no punches: Iker Casillas (right) looks to clear the ball as Javier Martinez goes for the header
Appreciation: Bayern Munich players acknowledge the large travelling support despite the defeat
Again, in refreshing contrast to Chelsea’s tussle with Atletico, this intense period when Real threatened to seize control of the tie did nothing to dissuade the visitors from their attacking approach.
Still Bayern committed numbers forward, searching for a way through. Guardiola took a seat and scribbled in his notepad, calm as ever in hostile territory.
If anything Real seemed stressed out. Ronaldo beckoned his team forward, with the usual pained expression of a victimised child. He realised Real must make these chances count but Di Maria skied another and Ronaldo went for goal when others were better placed.
When Howard Webb blew for half-time, the relentless UEFA stat machine declared the Germans had enjoyed 73 per cent of possession and had the five best passers on the field. When Webb signalled the end of the first leg, this possession had been reduced to 63 per cent, but Bayern were still a goal down, even if the theme of the second half was similar.
In agony: Pepe lies on the pitch injured before being replaced by Raphael Varane in the 73rd minute
Charge: Cristiano Ronaldo advances with the ball as he leaves Jerome Boateng in his wake
I'm here: Robben and Ribery (right) look to claim the corner as Daniel Carvajal (2nd left) urges calm
Memorable night: Real Madrid supporters cheer on their team to a 1-0 victory over Bayern
Close shave: Referee Howard Webb (left) and Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben exchange words
Warm welcome: Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti hugs Bayern Munich head coach Pep Guardiola
Ronaldo did not have the juice to last. That was always the plan, according to Ancelotti. He was replaced by Gareth Bale, who was not 100 per cent either after a cold, and who also looked dangerous running into the open spaces left by Bayern’s adventure.
Casillas made a fine save, springing to his right to deny Mario Gotze. Real also survived a desperate penalty appeal in stoppage time when Thomas Muller thought he had been impeded by Xabi Alonso.
Webb was unmoved and Real cele-brated. A one-goal advantage and no away goals for Bayern.
Those spilling on to the streets of the capital sense they could soon be ‘Kings of Europe’ once again, as a banner proudly declared.
If Atletico can muscle past Chelsea, Madrid truly could be hailed as the ‘Capital of Champions’.
The Bavarian giants' honorary president praised Real Madrid for their 1-0 win but felt the visitors offered little going forward
Bayern Munich honorary president Franz Beckenbauer criticised Pep Guardiola's team for a lack of "punch" as they conceded a 1-0 first-leg advantage to Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Karim Benzema scored the only goal as Madrid seized the initiative ahead of the Champions League semi-final return at the Allianz Arena next week.
The visitors enjoyed the lion's share of possession but Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas was not seriously threatened before making a late save to deny substitute Mario Gotze.
Beckenbauer hailed Madrid's defensive efforts but was disappointed the defending champions had not carried more menace going forward.
He told Sky: "I never saw Madrid defend so well.
"But maybe Bayern made it easy for them. They were lacking dynamism, they had no punch."
Madrid played largely on the counter but it was an approach which could have seen them claim a commanding first-half advantage as Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria both squandered wonderful opportunities.
Beckenbauer added: "Maybe Bayern were surprised by the way Real played. It was one of the best matches I have seen from Madrid. They switched the rhythm like they wanted. They attacked suddenly, they pulled back. If it had been 3-0 at half-time you could have stopped the game.
"Madrid were superior, better, quicker. It was a deserved victory. But there is still a second leg. It is doable, but it will be very dangerous and very difficult."
The versatile attacker was rather surprised by Madrid's negative tactics and is determined to turn things around in the return
Thomas Muller feels Real Madrid's defensive approach in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday was a sign of respect toward Bayern Munich and admits it will be difficult for his side to recover from the 1-0 defeat.
The Bundesliga side enjoyed the majority of possession at the Bernabeu as Carlo Ancelotti's men were seemingly happy to sit back and defend, but the guests were unable to take advantage of their dominance and slumped to defeat as they found no reply to Karim Benzema's first half strike.
"I think Real Madrid showed us massive respect," Muller was quoted as saying on Bayern's official website.
"Imagine this: Real Madrid pull everyone back to within 40 yards of their own goal on their home ground.
"We kept on battering away and we were close to scoring at the end. We’ve not done so and we have to make up for that in the return.
"We have a huge task ahead of us."
The second leg is scheduled to take place at the Allianz Arena on April 29.
The former Blancos attacker criticised the hosts for what he considered a slow start and was adamant that Bayern "dominated" despite their defeat
Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben claims he "expected more" from Real Madrid, despite the Spanish giants beating the Champions League holders 1-0 in Wednesday's semi-final first leg at Santiago Bernabeu.
Karim Benzema's goal in the opening 20 minutes was the only difference on the scoresheet and, although Pep Guardiola's men dominated possession, they struggled to create meaningful chances.
Robben, who spent two years at Madrid before joining Bayern in 2009, refused to accept his team were inferior and expressed his shock that Carlo Ancelotti's side were willing to allow the holders to dictate play.
"I have to compliment my team," the Dutchman told NOS. "We played a world class team, in the Santiago Bernabeu, but still we dominated and were the better side. I expected more from Real Madrid.
"I expected Madrid to come storming out of the gates but instead they waited and allowed us to run the game.
"We didn't create many chances, but it should have been enough to score at least one goal. At the end we wasted a big chance. This is a bad result, but nevertheless I feel good about the game.
"Confidence will be high ahead of the return. We know they are lethal. With their goal you could see what they are capable of. That is their quality and we have to be careful."
The result means that Bayern must win at the Allianz Arena next Tuesday if they want to compete in the final for the fourth time in the past five seasons.
The Germany international was upbeat despite the defending European champions going down to Karim Benzema's first-half strike at Santiago Bernabeu
Philipp Lahm insisted Bayern Munich's Champions League title defence remains on course despite Wednesday night's 1-0 defeat at Real Madrid.
Bayern enjoyed 72 per cent of the possession at Santiago Bernabeu but could not find an equaliser to Karim Benzema's 19th-minute opener as Madrid edged the first leg of the semi-final.
Lahm, who started in a defensive midfield role before being switched to right-back in the second half, felt Pep Guardiola's men were unfortunate not to take something from the game.
He told Sky: "We were missing a little bit of luck. The decisive action was missing. We were in control and we wanted to win. You could see that for 90 minutes.
"We had several good chances to score the important away goal, but it was not meant to be."
The hosts were content to sit back and play a counterattacking game, a tactic which came as no surprise to Germany international Lahm.
"We were not surprised at all," he added. "We studied them and we knew they were very strong on the counter.
"It is nice to come to Madrid and dictate the game here. I don't remember Bayern Munich dominating here like this before.
"Of course we wished for a better result. But we still can do this at home."
Neuer: Bayern did a good job against world-class Madrid
By Stefan Coerts
Apr 24, 2014 12:54:00 PM
The goalkeeper feels Pep Guardiola's men did enough to earn a better result and is determined to turn things around next week
Manuel Neuer has admitted that Real Madrid made life difficult for Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie, but he feels the Bundesliga champions did well regardless of their 1-0 defeat.
The Bavarians enjoyed the majority of possession at the Santiago Bernabeu, yet failed to find the net as Karim Benzema's first-half goal eventually proved to be decisive.
"It was tough for us, but we’ve still done a good job against these world-class players," Neuer told Bayern's official website.
"Real defended well and looked to hit us on the break, as we knew they would. We’re expecting the return to be similar.
"We have to prise them apart and create chances. We have to maintain concentration when we have the ball so we don’t get hit on the break.
"There’s everything to play for."
Bayern resume Bundesliga action at home against Werder Bremen on Saturday before the return versus Madrid at the Allianz Arena on April 29.
I was afraid to return from injury, admits Ronaldo
By Miles Chambers
Apr 23, 2014 11:49:00 PM
The Ballon d'Or holder was thrust back into the startng line-up in the win over Bayern Munich but says he felt ready after three weeks out
Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he was afraid to return in Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Bayern Munich, but insists he was fit enough to return to Champions League action.
The Portugal international has not featured since the Blancos' 3-0 home leg win over Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-final - exactly three weeks prior to his start at Santiago Bernabeu against the European champions.
He played a key part in Karim Benzema's goal which allowed Carlo Ancelotti's men to defeat die Roten 1-0 in the semi-final first leg and the Ballon d'Or holder was delighted with the result ahead of next Tuesday's return at the Allianz Arena.
"I was afraid - it was my first match after three weeks out," he told reporters after the game. "Some people didn't want me to play and some people did. I felt well and ready for the next few games.
"One-nil is a good result. We have a good advantage and if we score next week it will be so difficult for them to qualify for the final.
"The second leg will be a tense match. We have a little advantage so let's see if that is enough."
Madrid will now temporarily turn their attention to La Liga, as they prepare to host Osasuna on Saturday as they look to close the gap to leaders Atletico Madrid.
