UEFA Champions League 2011/2012

Nuri Sahin · Apr 25, 2012

Nuri Sahin · Apr 25, 2012

Champions League preview: Real Madrid v Bayern Munich

24 April 2012

Real Madrid must overturn a one-goal deficit against Bayern Munich if they are to book their place in the UEFA Champions League final. Jose Mourinho's Real went down 2-1 in the semi-final first leg at Bayern's Allianz Arena last Tuesday.The hosts took the lead through France forward Franck Ribery in the 17th minute of the match.

The visitors from Spain had more than their fair share of chances, and registered a deserved away goal through Germany midfielder Mezut Oezil eight minutes into the second half.It looked like the teams would be locked at 1-1 going into the return fixture in the Spanish capital, until Mario Gomez struck an injury-time winner for Bayern.

The German outfit carry a slender advantage with them to Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, but Real's away goal renders Bayern's position precarious at best.Domestic considerations could also have an impact on the outcome of Wednesday's clash. Bayern have nothing left to play for in Germany after seeing Borussia Dortmund retain their Bundesliga title with a 2-0 win over Borussia Moenchengladbach on Saturday.

Given Dortmund's imminent triumph, Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes could afford to change all of his team's starting 11 for their match away to Werder Bremen on the same day.Only goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and midfielders Bastian Schweinsteiger and Luiz Gustavo were retained from the side which started against Real. It was a very different story for the La Liga leaders, who contested the defining match of their domestic season, away to defending champions Barcelona.

The visitors emerged with a 2-1 win from their visit to Camp Nou, thanks to goals from Sami Khedira and Cristiano Ronaldo.Reflecting on the importance of the clash, which has effectively secured the La Liga title for Real, Mourinho retained exactly the same starting line-up from the team which played in Munich. The question now is how many of those first-choice players can recover in time to begin their third crucial game in the space of nine days?

The likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Kaka, Marcelo and Raul Albiol could all be in contention to start in Madrid if one or more of their team-mates pull up sore.Real will be bidding to reach their first Champions League final since winning the competition at Hampden Park in 2002. Bayern, who lost the 2010 final to Inter Milan on their last visit to the Santiago Bernabeu, are aiming to reach the showpiece decider at their own Allianz Arena home.

The winner of Wednesday's match will face English Premier League outsiders Chelsea in the final, to be held in Munich on May 19, after they defeated Barcelona on Tuesday night.

David Luiz · Apr 25, 2012

Lesson of the day : When you are two goals up and your opponent is down to 10 man, you should protect your lead and defend like mad and counter attack.

Nuri Sahin · Apr 25, 2012

Chelsea captain Terry's ban decision set for May 31
The Blues skipper will automatically receive a one-match suspension after his red card, ruling him out of the Champions League final, and could see the punishment increased

Bayern will not be afraid of Real Madrid, says Demichelis
The Argentine feels that the Bundesliga club have every chance of getting a result at the Santiago Bernabeu, and has advised them to press high up the pitch

Torres: Reaching Champions League final a dream come true for Chelsea
The Spaniard believes the Stamford Bridge side deserve a "second chance" following their defeat on penalties in 2008, and says it does not matter who they play in Munich

Pique leaves hospital after colliding with team-mate Valdes during Chelsea clash
The defender appeared to be briefly unconscious after being clattered by his own goalkeeper early on in the game, but medical checks have ruled out any sort of injury

Makaay: Bayern will score at least once at the Bernabeu
The Dutchman is confident that the Bundesliga giants will find the net in Wednesday's clash, and feels that Los Blancos face a difficult task to reach the tournament's showpiece

Chelsea without Terry, Ivanovic, Ramires and Meireles for Champions League final
A red card for the Blues skipper and cautions for his three team-mates see them sidelined for the Allianz Arena showdown, whilst Gary Cahill and David Luiz sweat over injuries

Canizares: Bayern can hurt Madrid on counterattack
The former Spain international has advised the Bavarians to focus on their defensive tasks, as he feels that Jose Mourinho's men are incredibly dangerous going forward

Nuri Sahin · Apr 25, 2012

Bayern will face a different Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, says Netzer

The ex-Germany international believes that the Bavarians are capable of competing with the best, but is of the opinion that they face a difficult match against Los Blancos

Apr 24, 2012 10:48:00 AM

By Tom Webber

Ex-Real Madrid midfielder Gunter Netzer believes that Bayern Munich's 2-1 win over Jose Mourinho's men last week will have little effect come Wednesday, when the European heavyweights square off for the second leg of their Champions League semi-finals clash.

The 67-year-old is of the opinion that the Blancos and the Bavarians have equal chances of progressing to the showpiece at the Allianz Arena, branding the slender advantage of Jupp Heynckes' men before the return "a bit of momentum".

Netzer believes that Real Madrid will be firing on all cylinders at the Santiago Bernabeu, and will be much more aggressive than in the first leg.

"It will be a different Real from the one we saw in the first leg. They will be more offensive and scoring opportunities will come.

"They [Bayern] must not try to save the result. This is 100 per cent wrong. They still have to attack and let scoring opportunities play themselves out.

"For me it [the semi-final] remains 50:50. It's nice that they won [the first leg], which gives a bit of momentum - but nothing more.

"Bayern must, above all, be smart and play to their strengths. [Arjen] Robben and [Franck] Ribery are needed, they must lead the team."

The second leg at the Bernabeu kicks off at 20.45CET on Wednesday evening.

Nuri Sahin · Apr 25, 2012

Real Madrid confirm squad for Bayern clash

Ricardo Carvalho, Lassana Diarra, Nuri Sahin and Hamit Altintop have all been left out of the 20-strong panel for the game against the Bavarians in the Spanish capital

Apr 24, 2012 5:14:00 PM

By Mark Doyle

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has named his squad for Wednesday's crucial Champions League semi-final second-leg clash with Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu.

There are no major surprise inclusions in the 20-strong panel, though there is no room for either veteran defender Ricardo Carvalho or midfielder Lassana Diarra.

Turkey internationals Nuri Sahin and Hamit Altintop, neither of whom have seen much game time since arriving in the Spanish capital last summer, have also been omitted.

Madrid go into the game trailing 2-1 on aggregate after last week's visit to the Allianz Arena.

Real Madrid squad v Bayern Munich:

Goalkeepers: Casillas, Adan, Tomas Mejias.

Defenders: Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Coentrao, Albiol, Arbeloa, Varane.

Midfielders: Kaka, Ozil, Granero, Khedira, Xabi Alonso, Callejon, Di Maria.

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Higuain.

Nuri Sahin · Apr 25, 2012

Nuri Sahin · Apr 26, 2012

I couldn't care less about tonight as I'm anti-Madridista, says former Barcelona president Gaspart

The former Blaugrana supremo conceded that he will not root for Los Blancos and noted that he wants Pep Guardiola to commit his future to the Catalan club

Apr 25, 2012 5:45:00 PM

By Luis Mira

Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart has admitted that he will not support Real Madrid in Wednesday's Champions League contest against Bayern Munich.

The Santiago Bernabeu outfit are the only Primera Division club left in the tournament after Barca were eliminated by Chelsea 3-2 on aggregate, but Gaspart is refusing to root for Los Blancos.

"I could not care less about the game between Madrid and Bayern. I don't care if they are a Spanish team. I am anti-Madridista," he told COM Radio.

After Tuesday's 2-2 draw against Chelsea, Barca coach Pep Guardiola revealed that he is set to discuss his future with the club in the coming days, and Gaspart hopes that the 41-year-old will sign a new contract.

"What I want to know is whether Guardiola will renew or not," Gaspart noted. "The fans do not deserve to have doubts if he will continue or not.

"He must continue, I hope he will stay and that he will make the right choice."

DerMannschaft · Apr 26, 2012

Lahm (saved by Casillas)

Kroos (saved by Casillas)

.................................

CR7 (saved by Neuer)

Kaka (saved by Neuer)

Sergio Ramos (shot overboard)

Real Madrid blew it.

DerMannschaft · Apr 26, 2012

Nuri Sahin · Apr 27, 2012

We're all exhausted but overjoyed after overcoming Real Madrid, admits Bayern's Schweinsteiger
The Germany international confessed that the Bavarians had nothing left after giving their all in securing a place in May's tournament decider at the Allianz Arena

Uefa would allow John Terry to lift Champions League trophy if Chelsea beat Bayern Munich
The Blues captain was initially expected to miss out on the chance to celebrate with his team-mates but has been handed a surprise reprieve by the governing body

Cahill: My hamstring will have to be torn to shreds to keep me out of FA Cup & Champions League finals
The defender will endure the discomfort so he can feature in the two fixtures after being substituted when he picked up an injury against Barcelona on Tuesday

Chelsea to pocket a record €55 million TV money from Champions League
The Blues will make more than ever from the competition thanks to the unmatched size of the English broadcasting deals and could double that figure with sales in other areas

Chelsea allocated 17,500 tickets for Champions League final
Blues supporters and their Bayern Munich counterparts will receive just over 25% of the seats available at the Allianz Arena each for their crunch match on May 19

Butragueno: Real Madrid are still having an 'exceptional season'
The former striker has stressed that Jose Mourinho's men should not be ashamed of their Champions League elimination as they have done the club proud on all fronts

'Champions League final a second chance for Chelsea' - Drogba
The Blues lost on penalties after the Ivorian striker was sent off against Manchester United in 2008 but he insists the criticism he faced helped him "grow up" as a player

Ribery: Bayern deserved to make the final
The France international was over the moon with his side's victory in Europe on Wednesday, and feels the Bavarians fully deserved their aggregate win over Los Blancos

Ivanovic: I did not realise I would miss Champions League final
The defender has admitted that he initially did not know he was "in the danger zone" and would miss the showpiece due to his booking, but insists the team comes first

Marcelo: Real Madrid go out with heads held high
The Brazilian full-back was very disappointed with his side's exit in Europe, but feels that the Blancos should be proud of their good performances in the competition

Robben: I did not take a penalty in the shoot-out as Casillas knows me too well
The winger explained he decided against taking a penalty at the end of the match as he was afraid his former team-mate would have more of a chance second time around

Sergio Ramos: Champions League exit will not tarnish Real Madrid's great season
The Spain international admitted it was painful to exit Europe on penalties to their German rivals, but stressed that they are still enjoying a successful campaign

Bayern defeat 'a big blow' but now Real Madrid must focus on La Liga, declares captain Casillas
Los Blancos suffered a heartbreaking shoot-out defeat against the Bavarians in the Spanish capital but they can still finish the season on a high by claiming their domestic title

Mourinho keen to remain at Real Madrid: If the club want me, I will stay
The Portuguese coach claims he will continue his spell at the Santiago Bernabeu beyond this summer if he can reach an agreement with his current employers

Bayern boss Heynckes laments loss of three players for Champions League final after defeating Real Madrid
Holger Badstuber, David Alaba and Luiz Gustavo all picked up yellow cards at the Santiago Bernabeu, thus ruling them out of next month's meeting with Chelsea at Allianz Arena

Resilient Neuer defies the critics with another Champions League gem: This is why Bayern signed him
The 26-year-old goalkeeper has taken flak this season, but showed his mettle as he came out the hero for the Bavarians in their penalty shoot-out win against Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Messi, says Mourinho after Bayern loss
The Portuguese trainer remained supportive of his compatriot despite a crucial miss in the shootout which saw his side eliminated from European competition on Wednesday

Real president Perez told me Neuer is the best goalkeeper in the world, reveals Bayern's Rummenigge
The former Germany international watched the game alongside the Blancos supremo, who had nothing but praise for the performance of the Bavarians' No.1

No Clasico final, no Decima for Real Madrid or Mourinho, but brilliant Bayern deserve dream date in Munich
The Bavarian giants provided the second shock in as many nights as they deservedly knocked out Jose Mourinho's men on penalties following an enthralling encounter on Wednesday

Bayern Munich now 2/5 favourites to beat Chelsea in Champions League final
The Bavarians set up a clash against Roberto Di Matteo's men in Munich after a 3-3 aggregate draw, winning their enthralling tie on penalties against Real Madrid

Mourinho misses out on Chelsea reunion as Real Madrid are shot down by Bayern
The ex-Blues boss missed out on the chance to come up against his former club after dramatically losing out to Jupp Heynckes' men on penalties at Santiago Bernabeu

Chelsea to face Bayern Munich in Champions League final
After halting Barcelona's spell as European champions, the Blues must now take on the Bavarians, who will have home advantage in the tournament decider at the Allianz Arena

Lampard 'gutted' for suspended Chelsea captain Terry
The England midfielder believes the defender has every right to feel aggrieved at missing the Champions League final after his dismissal against Barcelona in the semi-final

Barcelona do not need a 'Plan B', insists Athletic Bilbao boss Bielsa
The Blaugrana are under fire from certain sections of the media for being one-dimensional after their failure to overcome Chelsea in the semi-finals of the Champions League

Gourlay: Chelsea won't appoint Di Matteo before end of season
The Stamford Bridge chief executive has maintained the club's stance that no manager will be chosen until the campaign is complete, with two cup finals yet to play

Nuri Sahin · Apr 27, 2012

BREAKING NEWS: Uefa stand firm over Chelsea & Bayern Munich suspensions for Champions League final

The governing body will not be changing the rules of the competition before the eagerly-awaited clash at the Allianz Arena next month, but won't rule out any future alterations

Apr 26, 2012 5:10:00 PM

Uefa have refused to change their rules and lift suspensions on six Bayern Munich andChelsea players for the Champions League final despite a plea for clemency by the international players' union FIFPro.

The union urged the governing body of European football to show leniency after three players from each side picked up their third bookings of the competition and were therefore suspended for the final in Munich on May 19.

FIFPro pointed to the ruling at this summer's European Championships where Uefa will waive existing yellow cards from the quarter-finals onwards as an inconsistency.

Whilst Uefa have confirmed that they are not against the idea of changing the rules for future Champions League competitions, they also stated that there was no way in which they could be changed in the build-up to the final as any provisions that were in place when this year's tournament commenced, must be continued.

It is also believed that any changes to the current system would need to go through a tricky and potentially lengthy committee process.

"The regulations of the competition are established at the beginning of the competition and remain in place for the duration of the season," a Uefa spokesman told the Press Association.

"Any changes to the regulations for the future would need to be proposed by the club competitions committee and approved by the UEFA executive committee."

Bayern will be without Holger Badstuber, David Alaba and Luiz Gustavo whilst the Blues must deal with the absences of Branislav Ivanovic, Raul Meireles and Ramires for the final on May 19.

Nuri Sahin · Apr 27, 2012

Uefa would allow John Terry to lift Champions League trophy if Chelsea beat Bayern Munich

The Blues captain was initially expected to miss out on the chance to celebrate with his team-mates but has been handed a surprise reprieve by the governing body

Apr 26, 2012 4:15:00 PM

by Tom Marshall-Bailey

Chelsea captain John Terry will be allowed to lift the Champions League trophy if his side overcome Bayern Munich in the final next month, Uefa has confirmed.

Terry is banned for the showpiece in Munich on May 19 after being sent off for appearing to knee Alexis Sanchez in the back during his side's heroic semi-final victory over Barcelona on Tuesday.

But Uefa have clarified that the 31-year-old does have permission to be presented with the trophy should Roberto Di Matteo's side triumph at the Allianz Arena.

"If Chelsea win the 2012 Uefa Champions League Final, John Terry will be allowed to lift the trophy and collect the medal," read a statement released on Thursday.

Uefa's rules state that suspended players are only prevented from sitting on the bench. Frank Lampard was amongst a clutch of Chelsea players who wanted permission for his skipper to be involved after the match and it appears the squad's wishes have been granted.
It is believed that there was no Uefa meeting regarding the issue, but the governing body sought to clarify the situation to avoid any confusion.

The length of Terry's ban will be decided by the disciplinary body of Uefa on May 31 and his suspension is expected to rule him out of the European Super Cup - should Chelsea reach it - and possibly even early Champions League or Europa League group games next season.

Terry will not be on his own in missing out on the showpiece in Munich as Ramires, Branislav Ivanovic and Raul Meireles all picked up their third bookings in the competition against Barca, meaning one-match suspensions respectively.

The international players' union FIFPro, though, has begged for clemency with Uefa to allow players on both sides to take part in the final. Bayern also have three suspended and there have been calls for Uefa to adopt Fifa's policy for Euro 2012, where existing yellow cards will be waived after the quarter-finals.

Nuri Sahin · Apr 27, 2012

Robben: I did not take a penalty in the shoot-out as Casillas knows me too well

The winger explained he decided against taking a penalty at the end of the match as he was afraid his former team-mate would have more of a chance second time around

Apr 26, 2012 8:15:00 AM

By Stefan Coerts

Arjen Robben has admitted he did not take a shoot-out spot kick in the second leg of Bayern Munich's Champions League semi-final tie against Real Madrid as Iker Casillas knows him too well.

Robben netted from 12 yards in the 27th minute to help Bayern back in the game after conceding two early goals. Although the Bavarians lost the match 2-1, the attacker's goal eventually proved vital as the German giants reached the final after a series of spot kicks.

However, Robben opted not to take a spot kick in the decisive penalty-series as he felt a second attempt from 12 yards is always more difficult, especially against his former team-mate.

"Casillas and I know each other as we've played together for two years. And it's more difficult to take a second spot kick. That's why I didn't take another one."

The Dutchman also took a dig at Franz Beckenbauer after the German legend was critical of him after the winger recently missed from the spot in the Bundesliga title decider against Borussia Dortmund.

"I'd like to hear what mister Beckenbauer has to say now. Whether I've already spoken with him? No, and I don't really feel the need to do so either at the moment," Robben said to NOS.

"It was not the first time that I stood face-to-face with [Iker] Casillas at an important moment. My shot was powerful and accurate enough, though."

Bayern lock horns with Chelsea at the Allianz Arena on May 19 in the final of the Champions League.

Nuri Sahin · Apr 27, 2012

Chelsea allocated 17,500 tickets for Champions League final

Blues supporters and their Bayern Munich counterparts will receive just over 25% of the seats available at the Allianz Arena each for their crunch match on May 19

Apr 26, 2012 1:16:00 PM

By Oliver Platt

Chelsea have been allocated 17,500 tickets for the Champions League final on May 19, which accounts for just over 25% of the seats available at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

The Blues' opponents, Bayern Munich, have been allocated the same amount and have been overwhelmed with over one million requests for tickets, according to reports.

Bayern will hold a ballot to decide whom among those requesting tickets will be able to attend the match next month.

The tickets available to Chelsea supporters are priced between €70 (£57) and €370 (£302). Blues supporters will be housed in the north end of the stadium.

After members of the Uefa away scheme have received priority on the best-priced tickets available, Chelsea season ticket holders will be able to purchase one ticket each.

Any remaining tickets will go on general sale, with priority afforded according to the club's loyalty point system.

Chelsea beat Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate to progress to the final, with Bayern Munich defeating Real Madrid on penalties after a 3-3 aggregate draw.

THE_CHANSTER · Apr 27, 2012

Given the amount of yellow cards issued in the semis for both Bayern Munich and Chelsea, it should be a cracking final at the Allianz Arena and a lot more even than expected.
With home advantage, I think Bayern should just nick it.

Nuri Sahin · Apr 29, 2012

Badstuber criticises referee for yellow card against Real Madrid
The defender has voiced his unhappiness at the decision made by Viktor Kassai, which puts him out of contention for the Champions League final against Chelsea on May 19

Rummenigge: Bayern Munich are the toast of Europe
The 56-year-old believes that the Bavarians are now the envy of the continent after progressing to the final while keeping true to their philosophy

Chelsea in the Champions League final is awful, says Frank de Boer
The Dutch legend was far from impressed with the negative manner in which Roberto Di Mateo's men booked their place for the showpiece of Europe's elite club competition

Neuer: I knew how Cristiano Ronaldo would take his penalty
The Bayern Munich custodian saw footage of the Portuguese attacker taking spot-kicks prior to the Champions League fixture and was confident he would send his shot to the left

Drogba targets Champions League redemption after 2008 red card
The 34-year-old left the field in disgrace against Manchester United in the final four years ago as the Blues went on to lose on penalities in Moscow, thanks to John Terry's miss

Redknapp and Pardew backing Bayern Munich for Champions League final victory over Chelsea
Should Roberto Di Matteo's side pull off yet another upset in the final, there will be only three Champions League qualification places up for grabs in the league

Fenerbahce drop CAS case over Champions League ban
The Istanbul giants have informed the public that they will not pursue legal action against Uefa and the TFF, but so far have not provided any further information

Dalglish: Champions League final in Munich is unfair on Chelsea
The Liverpool boss faced the same situation when playing for the Reds against Roma in the 1984 final, and believes European bosses should have learned their lesson by now

Nuri Sahin · Apr 30, 2012

Chelsea's Ramires reveals what it felt like to receive booking that bans him from Champions League final
Blues' Brazilian midfielder says the moment he received the yellow card it felt as though his whole world had collapsed, as he is now suspended from showpiece with Bayern Munich

Chelsea boss Di Matteo wants yellow card suspensions to be overturned for Champions League final
The Blues' interim manager would welcome a reprieve for the three players from both sides who are banned for the Munich showpiece next month but admitted it is unlikely to happen

Netzer slams Chelsea's negative approach
The Germany legend has condemned the Premier League side's defensive tactics, and stressed that football is not only about the result, but also about entertainment

Nuri Sahin · May 2, 2012

Van Buyten hopes to be fit for DFB Pokal and Champions League finals
The experienced Belgian has recently signed a new contract with the Bavarians and has stated he is confident of playing again this season following a broken foot

Ballack predicts Bayern will beat Chelsea in Champions League final
The German midfielder believes that the Bundesliga giants are favourites and hold a significant advantage over the London club by hosting the May 19 match in their own stadium

Butt: Winning the Champions League with Bayern would be my 'perfect farewell'
The 37-year-old custodian is preparing to bring the curtains down on his career and has stated that hoisting Europe's most coveted club trophy would be a glorious send-off

Sammer hails German football's progress
The 44-year-old is of the belief that the standard of the game in his homeland has improved drastically over the past 10 years, using the Bavarians as an example

David Luiz · May 2, 2012

Priceless Moment for Torres

Fernando Torres has endured more than his fair share of unfortunate moments since his £50 million transfer, so the majority of the football world will have been delighted to see the Spaniard bag the goal that ensured the Blues would make it through to the Champions League Final.

In what has to be the highlight of his Chelsea career so far Torres came on as a late substitute in Tuesday night’s second leg semi-final game against Barca, rounded Victor Valdes and booked his team’s place in the Munich final in May at the expense of the Catalan holders.

'To be in the Champions League final, obviously, is a dream come true for all the Chelsea players, for all the Chelsea supporters who come here and everyone watching the game at home,' Torres told reporters.

'It's the second Champions League final for Chelsea. Everyone knows what happened in the past with the penalty shoot-out [in the 2008 loss to Manchester United]. So, I think Chelsea deserved a second chance and we have the chance now.'

Torres admitted he never expected to get any chances, but expressed his delight at adding to his impressive goal scoring record of seven goals in 10 league appearances for Atletico Madrid against Barcelona.

'I was playing almost as a left-back. The only chance we could have was on the counter-attack like this,' said Torres.

'One more goal against Barcelona. I have nice memories in this stadium, nice memories against them. But this one's more special than any one before because it helped us to go the final. I am very happy to be part of the game, to score the goal.'

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