FC Barcelona will be defending a 2-0 aggregate lead when they face bitter rivals Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg.
This game is guaranteed to be hostile after the events that took place before, during and after the first leg. Real manager Jose Mourinho accused his Barca counterpart Josep Guardiola of criticizing referees “for making a correct decision.” The usually mild mannered Guardiola responded with an expletive riddled tirade that shocked the Spanish media.
The first 75 minutes of the first leg were largely notable for nothing more than niggling fouls and heated debate. At half-time a brawl as the teams entered the tunnel resulted in Barcelona backup goalkeeper Jose Pinto being shown a red card.
In the second half Real defender Pepe received his marching orders for a lunging foul on Dani Alves. Mourinho was sent to the stands for his furious reaction, and gave a scathing press conference claiming he was “disgusted at the world we live in,” and claimed he would like to see Guardiola win “one clean Champions League.”
The last 15 minutes saw Lionel Messi show why he is revered as the best player on earth for so many. Messi opened the scoring by turning home Ibrahim Affelay’s cross, and then danced past three defenders before clipping past Iker Casillas for the 2-0 aggregate lead.
The fallout saw both teams lodge official complaints that were subsequently rejected by UEFA.
To top it off, Real also appear unable to get along with each other. Rumors are rife claiming that Mourinho and star man Cristiano Ronaldo are feuding over the defensive tactics employed in the first leg by Madrid.
Defensive pair Gabriel Milito and Martin Montoya are ruled out for Barca, while Eric Abidal is a long term injury absentee. Star midfielder Andres Iniesta is doubtful with a calf injury and will be assessed ahead of kickoff.
Defenders Pepe and Sergio Ramos will be suspended for Real, while manager Mourinho will be forced to watch from the stands are his red card during the first leg.
KEY PLAYERS
Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona) – If Real are to have a chance of a comeback win, they must keep the little maestro quiet and prevent him adding to his season tally of over 50 goals.
Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) – The French striker was an unused substitute in the first leg, but will likely receive a start as Real chase a two goal deficit. With 6 goals for in only 8 Champions League games, Benzema has been Real’s most prolific marksman in Europe this season.
The first 75 minutes of the first leg were largely notable for nothing more than niggling fouls and heated debate. At half-time a brawl as the teams entered the tunnel resulted in Barcelona backup goalkeeper Jose Pinto being shown a red card.
In the second half Real defender Pepe received his marching orders for a lunging foul on Dani Alves. Mourinho was sent to the stands for his furious reaction, and gave a scathing press conference claiming he was “disgusted at the world we live in,” and claimed he would like to see Guardiola win “one clean Champions League.”
The last 15 minutes saw Lionel Messi show why he is revered as the best player on earth for so many. Messi opened the scoring by turning home Ibrahim Affelay’s cross, and then danced past three defenders before clipping past Iker Casillas for the 2-0 aggregate lead.
The fallout saw both teams lodge official complaints that were subsequently rejected by UEFA.
To top it off, Real also appear unable to get along with each other. Rumors are rife claiming that Mourinho and star man Cristiano Ronaldo are feuding over the defensive tactics employed in the first leg by Madrid.
Defensive pair Gabriel Milito and Martin Montoya are ruled out for Barca, while Eric Abidal is a long term injury absentee. Star midfielder Andres Iniesta is doubtful with a calf injury and will be assessed ahead of kickoff.
Defenders Pepe and Sergio Ramos will be suspended for Real, while manager Mourinho will be forced to watch from the stands are his red card during the first leg.
KEY PLAYERS
Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona) – If Real are to have a chance of a comeback win, they must keep the little maestro quiet and prevent him adding to his season tally of over 50 goals.
Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) – The French striker was an unused substitute in the first leg, but will likely receive a start as Real chase a two goal deficit. With 6 goals for in only 8 Champions League games, Benzema has been Real’s most prolific marksman in Europe this season.
