By DAN KARELL
After Wednesday’s performance, it would be hard to say that Bayern Munich isn’t currently the best team in the world.
The German side defeated Barcelona, 3-0 (7-0 on aggregate), at the Camp Nou in the second-leg of the Champions League semifinals to make their second successive European final, where they will face rivals Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium in London on May 25.
Barcelona star Lionel Messi was named as a substitute for the match but never made an appearance as the Spanish club was outplayed by a strong Bayern side. Veteran defender Daniel Van Buyten started in place of Dante and had himself a strong performance in defense alongside Jerome Boateng.
After a scoreless half where Bayern were the more comfortable side, winger Arjen Robben put the tie away int he 49th minute with a pretty left footed shot into the far netting from inside the box.
As Barcelona’s energy levels began to wane, Bayern struck again in the 72nd minute, when a Frank Ribery cross from the left was sent into the home side’s goal by defender Gerard Pique, rubbing salt into the wounds of his teammates and the club’s fans.
Four minutes later the German squad ended any chance of a comeback, with midfielder Thomas Müller adding his team’s third goal of the night on a header in the six-yard box off a left footed cross from Ribery. Once again, Bayern was given plenty of time and space around the box to attack, and it’s no surprise that Müller found the back of the net after scoring twice in the first-leg.
Tito Vilanova’s charges now can only focus on wrapping up the La Liga title, as for the first time since 2008 Barcelona will only win one trophy in a season. Bayern, who have already won the Bundesliga title, are contending for two more trophies in the next two months, the Champions League and the German Cup.