Goals: Bayern Munich—Benatia 7’ - Lewandowski 59' - Muller 74'; Barcelona—Neymar 15’, 29’
Recap: Fortunately for Bayern Munich, it’s finally over. The club was eliminated by Barcelona on Tuesday, with the tie finishing 5-3 on aggregate in favor of the Catalan giants.
A promising start to the match pumped life into the Allianz Arena, but Medhi Benatia’s header in the seventh minute was quickly negated by Barcelona’s brilliance. An impeccable through-ball and square pass allowed Neymar to equalize just eight minutes later. The Brazilian would compete his first-half brace in the 29th minute. Despite Bayern's best efforts, the second half was a mere formality. Up 5-1 on aggregate, the visitors had already turned off.
With the result, Barcelona advance to the Champions League final in Berlin.
Key Moment: Bayern Munich had an opportunity to equalize before the half and make the final 10 minutes of real intrigue, but Ter Stegen refused to be bested, clearing the ball off the line in the 41st minute.
Man of the Match: Neymar was the beneficiary of Luis Suarez’s vision. The Uruguayan provided both assists and added individual flair throughout the contest.
Lesson Learned: Bayern Munich’s dominance in the Bundesliga continues to cost them. Despite winning the league by a whopping 19 points last season, the club fell victim to a battle-tested Real Madrid in the Champions League semifinals.
Fast forward one year. Nothing’s changed.
Having absorbed Borussia Dortmund players and Jurgen Klopp’s soul, there was little to be contested in the Bundesliga this campaign. Bayern were crowned champions without even having to taking the pitch. Competition has eroded in Germany so quickly, that even Thomas Muller believes the club’s training team is more difficult than actual fixtures.
“It's often more difficult to win against our training team than maybe against a team in the Bundesliga,” Muller told reporters during the winter break (via ESPN FC).
There’s something to be said about having a competitive edge. Just look at La Liga, look at last year's Champions League final and what will more than likely be this year's final. Bayern Munich cannot find it in Germany, but are then asked to do so in Europe against the game's elite.
It’s no coincidence they’ve faltered once more.
Up Next: Both clubs return to league action on May 16, with Barcelona traveling to Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich visiting Freiburg.
Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via WhoScored).
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