All Bar�a�s football

Match

Marcador del partit

Date: Tuesday, 03 May
Competition: ???label.competicio1???
Stadium: Camp Nou, Barcelona

Resultat:

FC Barcelona: 1
Real Madrid: 1

Match report

Match Report
Pre-Match

Match Report

Photo: Miguel Ruiz/�lex Caparr�s/Germ�n Parga-FCB

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The goals

1-0, Pedro (min 54)
1-1, Marcelo (min 64)

Heroes off to Wembley (1-1)

Jordi Clos

Bar�a have qualified for the Champions League final at the expense of Real Madrid following tonight�s draw at the Camp Nou. Pedro scored the winner for a side that dominated the possession and produced most of the chances.

The series of four Bar�a v Madrid matches in 18 days came to an end with the Camp Nou showdown to decide which of the teams is going to the Champions League final at Wembley. As far as attacking football was concerned, it was the liveliest encounter of the four, with Real Madrid obliged to push forward after losing the first leg 2-0. Nevertheless, the home side still produced as many as six clear-cut chances in the first 45 minutes alone, with Madrid creating very little serious danger.

Things were tighter in the second half. Bar�a and Madrid both found the target, but the 1-1 scoreline only benefits the Catalans, who can start getting ready for the trip to London on May 28.

Ambitious football

The events of the previous three encounters have sent the tension between these two teams into fever pitch, but what Bar�a needed here was a settled game in which they could defend their two-goal lead. Madrid’s ambitious approach was totally different to what we saw in the first leg, and on a rain-sodden pitch, Bar�a took longer than usual to settle into their typical passing game.

Bar�a dazzle

It took 21 minutes for the first shot to hit the target, a Busquets header from inside the area that was directed straight at Iker Casillas. Then it was time for the famous ‘MVP’ to come into action, with Messi (3), Villa and Pedro all coming frustratingly close. Bar�a were in control, the Camp Nou was roaring, and Madrid would have almost certainly been at least a goal down if it hadn’t been for some terrific goalkeeping from Casillas..

Pedro scores

Another downpour had soaked the pitch even more as the second half got under way, with Madrid still trying to come forward, but Bar�a catching them out time and again on the counter attack. Which is precisely how their goal was created in the 53rd minute, with Vald�s supplying the ball to Alves, and then the Brazilian threading it on to Iniesta to supply a magnificent assist for Pedro to slot the ball home in style. The three goal cushion seemed enough for the FCB fans to start celebrating with ‘ol�s’ as their players held onto the ball for long periods of possession that Madrid could only break down with some frequently over-feisty challenges.

Madrid equalise with first chance

Madrid needed three goals, and they got one through Marcelo in the 68th minute after Di Maria had hit the post. This was the first of just three shots on target for the suspended Mourinho’s team, and was the only one that would find the net. For long periods, the all-whites simply couldn’t get near the ball, with Xavi and Iniesta giving yet another masterclass in passing football, with substitute Keita joining the party later on.

But there was another treat in store for the joyous Camp Nou, for right at the end of the match, Guardiola sent on Abidal, who was deservedly welcomed onto the pitch with a standing ovation. This is his final too. It is all of ours. The final whistle blew, but the players stayed on the field for many minutes after. This was moment to savour. The Camp Nou saluted its heroes as they went on a lap of honour. And they deserve all the applause they got. These are the heroes that have taken FC Barcelona to Wembley.

Preview

Wembley opponents decided on Wednesday

The second semi final takes place on Wednesday when Manchester United take on Schalke 04 at Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson’s team also lead 0-2 from the first leg and look favourites to book their place at Wembley.

Objective: Wembley

Roger Boguny�

Bar�a look to build on their 0-2 lead from last week when they take on Real Madrid this evening (20.45, R@dio Bar�a) in the fourth and final clash between the two sides over the last few weeks. Guardiola welcomes back Iniesta and Abidal to the squad.

Tonight’s game is the Big One. The match that decides who goes through to the Champions League Final at Wembley later this month. All the ingredients are there for a great contest: top class players, plenty of controversy, a packed Nou Camp and yet another clash between the two great rivals. Despite the 0-2 lead from last week, Guardiola continues to preach caution, whilst dreaming of another Wembley Final, and there is still everything to play for as the two teams fight it out over 90 minutes to see who makes the trip to London later this month.

Abidal and Iniesta back

FC Barcelona come into the game with a number of players out injured: in defence, Guardiola has to do without Maxwell, Adriano and Milito, as well as the suspended Pinto, with Bojan the other absentee from the first team squad. The good news is the return of Iniesta and Abidal, whilst B team youngsters Oier, Bartra, Thiago and Sergi Roberto complete the 20 man list for the game.

Change of tactics?

It looks as if we could be in for a very different match from the last three tonight, with Madrid having to change their tactics and go after the game –Bar�a, of course, will stay true to their attacking instincts –abandoning their ultra defensive approach which they stuck to in the league, cup and first leg games. Madrid need two goals to even force extra time and at least three if they are to win the tie and seem likely to go out and dispute possession with Bar�a, which should completely change the script from the last three clashes between the two.

Options in attack for Mourinho

To get back into the tie, Mourinho will have to play with a number 9 tonight and he can choose between Adebayor, Benzema and Higua�n, who all started the Cup Final and the first leg on the bench, or even Kaka. Madrid will be without the suspended Pepe and Sergio Ramos, but with a place at Wembley at stake, they are sure to put everything into trying to pull the tie around.