Bayern Munich scored three times without reply at the Camp Nou as they booked their spot in the final of the Champions League with a 7-0 aggregate win against Barcelona on Wednesday.
It was the German outfit that created most of the opportunities in the first period, but neither side could open the scoring as Bayern's four-goal lead remained intact.
Bayern had the lead early in the second half, however, when Arjen Robben moved into the box before curling an effort into the top corner.
Barcelona attempted to respond in the latter stages, but it was Bayern who added their second and then third late on courtesy of a Gerard Pique own goal and a header from Thomas Muller.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two European rivals.
Match statistics:
Barcelona:
Shots: 10
On target: 4
Possession: 60%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 14
Bayern:
Shots: 6
On target: 2
Possession: 40%
Corners: 0
Fouls: 11
Was the result fair?
Even the most ardent Barcelona supporter would find it difficult to argue that their side deserved to pick up the win this evening. The Catalan outfit have taken apart many a team in this stadium in recent seasons, but they were on the receiving end of a real hiding by a wonderful Bayern outfit. The fact that the 7-0 aggregate score does not flatter the Bundesliga champions tells the whole story.
Barcelona's performance
Without a certain Argentine in their team, Barcelona looked awfully laboured for large periods of the match. The expected onslaught in the early stages just did not arrive, with Bayern comfortably quelling the danger as the Spanish outfit passed and probed outside the box. It will be difficult to forget what has happened to them over the past two European matches, but the powers that be will already have switched their focus to next season.
Bayern's performance
The German outfit were just stunning this evening. Having secured a four-goal lead in the first leg, you could be forgiven for thinking that they would defend deep and attempt to edge their way into the final. In truth, they could have put this tie to bed with a series of opportunities in the first period. They had to wait until the 48th minute to open the scoring, but even before that moment they did not look in any danger of not progressing comfortably.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Franck Ribery: Long gone are the days that the French midfielder was just known for his attacking presence. Despite the fact that he assisted two of Bayern's three goals this evening, it was his defensive work that impressed the most. He has re-established himself as one of the best wingers in world football this season.
Biggest gaffe
The decision to leave Lionel Messi on the bench this evening was a strange one. It is not difficult to understand why the Argentine was not risked in the latter stages when the tie was over, but surely the attacker should have started the match and indeed exited if necessary.
Referee performance
Damir Skomina had a fairly productive 90 minutes of action this evening. The Slovenian was forced to issue a couple of cards in the first period as the challenges flew in from both sides, but he was always quick on the scene. The official was largely a spectator in the second period, however, as he watched Bayern secure their spot at Wembley.
What next?
Barcelona: The Catalan outfit could secure the La Liga title this weekend if they overcome Real Betis at the Camp Nou on Sunday.
Bayern: It will be a dress rehearsal of the Champions League final this weekend when Bayern travel to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
Matt Law
