The second installment of what the media is calling Germany versus Spain with Bayern putting the hurt of Barcelona. Could Real pull off an upset in what happened in the group stages? My speculation was, no. Dortmund beat Real at home and drew them away. I was puzzled at how some people could stand there and tell me that since this is a semi final match, it was totally different. I didn't buy it. Even in the group stages you want to win every game. Especially these two teams. They were both in the same group and it was the toughest group. All four teams were very strong teams. Dortmund won the group and Real went second. Dortmund were unbeaten so far in the Champions League and I assumed that they were going for gold for two reasons; One, to show up Bayern. And two, to make it an all German final. Dortmund also are 20 points behind Bayern in the Bundesliga, which means that they have put all their effort into winning the Champions League. Behind the EPL, I think that the Bundesliga is second best and La Liga and Serie A can battle it out for third as far as the best leagues in the world. La Liga is top heavy and not strong overall.
First half...
I have never seen a team jump so fast on the opposition. If you are a fan of Barcelona you have to be a fan and should switch to watching Dortmund. They play a much more physical game and a much faster possession style and counter-attacking game. It is very similar to what Barca do with the high pressure to win the ball back but it is done at a much higher pace and much more physical. To me, it is the closest to a total team. And with that Robert Lewandowski took on the mantle to bring his team to the final. The first coming in the first half after about 8 minutes. Lewandowski latched onto a cross and steered it in from close range. Not sixty seconds later a great appeal for a penalty in the area for Dortmund was turned down and Real broke and if not for a terrible back pass that found its way to Ronaldo, Real would not be level going into the half. Halftime whistle and it is all tied up. 1-1 a piece.
Second half...
Dortmund come back out and do the same thing they have been doing all night long. Forcing turnovers and cutting off supply to the forwards as well as counter-attacking with tremendous speed and killer accuracy. Real looked lost on the field and couldn't get a hold on anything. Five minutes into the second half Lewandowski had two goals. A shot that was neatly turned then finished was a testament to his skill. The next coming only a few minutes later was a testament to his composure in front of goal. And his penalty spot kick rounded out the night. He apparently wanted to send a message that he is a machine that just scored a hat-trick in 17 minutes in a Champions League semi final match versus a powerhouse in Real Madrid. Something that has never been done before. 4-1 to Dortmund and they were still trying for more goals to completely humble Real. Even Mourinho didn't know how it went from 1-1 to 4-1.
If you want to follow along with the media, it is Germany 8 - Spain 1. At least Real Madrid got on the board. Next Tuesday and Wednesday hold the fate, but even while both Spanish teams play at home, can they overcome such huge deficits? They barely challenged the Germans and Barcelona didn't even score. I don't see it happening. But anything can happen in football. I still think that Dortmund will win it all though. I just don't see Bayern winning it this year. Yes, they won the Bundesliga by 20 points, but Dortmund just handed it to them so that they could focus on winning the Champions League. Bayern have the strength but I'm not sure they have the skill to keep up with Dortmund. 2-1 to Dortmund.
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