Champions League Semi Final Draw

With all the favoured clubs expected to progress failing to disappoint, the semi finals this year promise to be the best for a long while. With Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, accompanied by Chelsea and Germany's Bayern Munich, the semi finals is bound to be exciting. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have looked convincing as they cruised through the tournament with considerable ease, whereas Chelsea may count themselves lucky to have made it to this stage of the competition. Nevertheless, Chelsea still pose a huge threat and as underdogs, have nothing to lose in their bid to be Europe’s top club for the first time in their history.

Semi Final 1 - Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich

Badstuber and Boateng will need to be at their best
if Bayern wish to progress to the final

A lot has been said about Real Madrid this year and how convincing they have looked both domestically and in Europe, and they will undoubtedly be the favourites in this clash between two European titans. With Ronaldo bang in form accompanied by the firepower of Kaka, Higuain, Di Maria and Benzema, Real Madrid's attacking prowess will cause huge amounts of problems for the Bayern Munich back 4, who have looked shaky throughtout Bayern’s campaign. Badstuber and Boateng will need to be at their best to keep out the likes of Ronaldo, Higuain and Benzema, who combined have an astonishing total of over 100 goals this season. However Bayern have huge threats themselves, with Robben, Ribery and Gomez forming an up front 3 with considerable ability and threat. With the goals of Gomez, and creative prowess of Muller, Robben and Ribery, You can never count Bayern out and I believe they can cause an upset and contest the final at home soil - providing Badstuber and Boateng can keep the Real Madrid attack at bay over the two legs.

Verdict: Bayern to defy the odds and shade it by a goal

Semi Final 2 - Barcelona vs Chelsea


Barcelona will need to defeat Chelsea if they are to Contest
the Champions League for the second successive season

Barcelona were given a tricky tie against AC Milan in the last round and came through thanks to two penalties by Messi and a composed finish by Iniesta. However Barcelona were definitely given a run for their money and didn't look like the dominant force that they have been in recent years. This will give Chelsea faint hope, whose performance in both the League and Europe showing their extremely indifferent form this year. With an ageing team who have progressively declined in ability over the years, Chelsea will be huge underdogs in the tie, which they could use to their advantage. Along with the underdog tag, Chelsea are relieved of any pressure which they could use to defy the odds and overcome a complacent Barcelona. But realistically, Chelsea have the slimmest of chances and in the end, Barcelona will beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and Camp Nou.

Verdict: Barcelona to go through convincingly by a 2-3 goal margin