By FRANCO PANIZO
This was supposed to be a contest. It was anything but that.
Real Madrid reached the UEFA Champions League final on Tuesday by handing reigning champions Bayern Munich a thorough and surprising 4-0 victory at Allianz Arena. Madrid won the series on aggregate, 5-0, to reach the May 24 finale in Lisbon, where they will take on the winner of Wednesday’s other semifinals series between Chelsea and Atletico Madrid.
Real Madrid quickly jumped out in front in the second leg against a Bayern Munich team in search of a goal. Sergio Ramos scored twice inside of 20 minutes to give the Spanish giants a three-goal lead in the series, and that was compounded by Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the first of his two goals on a lightning-quick counterattack in the 34th minute.
In need of four goals to advance, Pep Guardiola’s Bayern dominated possession but were unable to break down Real Madrid’s defense. The German club constantly found itself in the final third, but lacked creativity and sharpness in a performance that is probably its worst of the season.
Ronaldo delivered one more blow to Bayern and their dejected fans in attendance in the second half, hitting a low free kick that made its way under a jumping wall before finding the back of the net.
—–
What did you think of Real Madrid’s 4-0 second leg win over Bayern Munich? Shocked by the lack of competitiveness in the decisive match? How likely is it that Real Madrid goes on to win the final?
Share your thoughts below.