Awesome Real close on Decima
They left as the best team on the planet, a group of players on the verge of greatness — one step away from ‘La Decima’ — the 10th European Cup.
This was brutal, visceral stuff from the off. Real, perfectly prepped by manager Carlo Ancelotti, knew where Bayern’s weaknesses were and exploited them as few have done during Pep Guardiola’s time in management.
First came the aerial bombardment, and a tale of redemption. Sergio Ramos, whose missed penalty against the same opposition in the semi-final two years ago ensured Real’s exit, twice rose highest to power home set-pieces.
“It’s a dream to score two goals for the team but the main thing is how we played together,” said Ramos afterwards.
Then came the pace and the BBC — Bale, Benzema and Cristiano. Forced to attack, Bayern left themselves over-exposed and Real broke at will. It was utterly devastating.
Cristiano Ronaldo made it three just after the half-hour mark, sweeping home after Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale had combined beautifully to give him the opportunity.
The game was up by this point, Bayern needing five goals to progress. Bayern’s supporters, who had come to watch a reinforcement of their side’s European dominance, did not know what to do. The reigning champions had been utterly humbled.
Real will surely be favourites for the final now — a game where there will be all manner of subplots. They will face either Chelsea and Jose Mourinho, the man who until last summer was their manager, or local rivals Atletico Madrid.
If either learnt anything from this, it was that Real are utterly lethal on the break. Given space, Bale and Ronaldo, in particular, are almost impossible to stop.
It was also an utter triumph for Ancelotti, who continued his personal record of not having lost to Bayern in eight games.
The Italian had dismissed talk linking him with Manchester United before this game and he is now in a position of real strength at the Bernabeu. He has proven his worth, and Chelsea must have wondered if they made the right decision in relieving him of his duties in 2011.
That can wait until the final, though. Before then we should revel in one of the great European displays, rendering the second half inconsequential.
The only negative of an otherwise perfect display was the booking for Xabi Alonso that rules him out of the final. Three bookings in nine games does not seem enough of a crime to fit the punishment, but Uefa are not known for sentiment.
It was a particular shame as, just as they had been in the first leg, Alonso and Modric were imperious in central midfield.
Bale had already missed a presentable chance when Real hit the front after 16 minutes.
After all the talk of philosophies and tactics the goal was as simple as they come, Ramos getting ahead of Dante to power home Modric’s corner.
Bayern were stunned; Real went for the jugular. The second was just as simple, Ramos reacting superbly to head home after Pepe had flicked on Angel Di Maria’s free-kick. He had scored five goals in 73 previous Champions League ties, but two in four minutes here.
The centre-back celebrated wildly in front of Bayern’s fans.
The only certainty about Bayern at this point was that they had no idea how to stem the bleeding. Guardiola gesticulated wildly in his technical area as his team floundered in front of him.
Ronaldo shot wide, Bale missed again. Then the moment that underlined Real’s dominance, as Benzema swept the ball on to Bale, who drew the last defender and left Ronaldo with a tap-in.
The Portuguese held up 10 fingers and then another five to point out that this was a record 15th goal in just 10 Champions League games this season. He was to add to that tally later.
Real sat back, a lion admiring its kill and waiting before devouring it. Iker Casillas made his first save on the hour mark and was never tested.
Late on, Real roused themselves and decide it was time to score a fourth.
Ronaldo struck a free-kick against the wall and was visibly frustrated. Presented with the same opportunity minutes later, he opted to slide the ball under the Bayern players as they jumped and into the corner.
The Real bench emptied in celebration, Zinedine Zidane to the fore. He was the man who inspired the Spanish side to their ninth European Cup, but the 10th is within reach. This is as good as it gets.
Subs for Bayern Munich: Martinez for Mandzukic 45, Pizarro for Muller 72, Gotze for Ribery 72.
Subs for Real Madrid: Varane for Ramos 75, Isco for Benzema 80, Casemiro for Di María 84.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
