Spanish titans pause for thought

The expected UEFA Champions League final between the two giants of La Liga looks a little less than a racing certainty after both Barcelona and Real Madrid lost their semi-final first legs.

Barça as usual marinated possession away at Chelsea and hit the Londoners' woodwork twice, yet succumbed to a breakaway goal on the stroke of half-time, finished by Didier Drogba.

Real also suffered a sucker punch, conceding a last-minute Mario Gomez goal to lose 2-1 to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, venue for this year's final. Franck Ribery gave Bayern the lead in the 17th minute before German international Mesut Ozil equalised for Real in the 53rd.

So both Spanish clubs have deficits to make up in their home legs in order to ensure the 'Superclasico final' in Munich, although Real have the slight advantage of an away goal.

The two are well acquainted of course, and meet on Saturday at the Camp Nou in the domestic showdown of the season. Jose Mourinho's Real lead Pep Guardiola's Barça by four points at the top of La Primera with five games to go.

UEFA Champions League Semi-Final second legs
Barcelona (0) : (1) Chelsea Tue 24 Apr
Real Madrid (1) : (2) Bayern Munich Wed 25 Apr

Final Sat 19th May, Munich 20:45 local time


(c) Sean O'Conor & Soccerphile

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Euro 2012 football