It is all settled then. Real Madrid and Barcelona have advanced to the semi-final of the Champions League while the La Liga champions are held back to enjoy the last few matches remaining in the season.
Diego Simeone’s were knocked out by Los Blancos in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final in the midweek games. Atletico won 1 – 2 at Deportivo on Saturday and looked ready to knock-out their city rivals. But Chicharito scored late in the second half of the game at the Santiago Bernabeu, defeating Atletico in the European competition yet again. Ancelotti’s men will face Juve in the semi-final on May 6th. Real Madrid also won last week putting pressure on the league leaders Barcelona. Real’s opponents on Saturday were Malaga and the score after referee’s final whistle was 3 – 1.
Also, now there is a possibility of an El Clasico Champions League final. Barcelona’s opponents in the next round are Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich. It would certainly be the biggest match of the season as we have no clue what is in store for us. Guardiola knows the Barcelona inside-out and he knows what his former side is capable of. It will definitely be decided over the two legs.
“Everyone understands how special it is for me, for Thiago and for my staff. Barcelona was our life”, Pep Guardiola said after the draw.
“I’m here because of my time at Barcelona. If you’re in the semi-finals, you play against great teams. Of course, Barcelona are one of the best but at the end of the day it’s a football game.
“It will obviously be a special game. We need to study Barcelona. Barcelona are my home. What more can I say?…I don’t have anything bad to say about my former team or players. I won a lot with them”, he stressed.
“They have a new coach, but otherwise they still play like they did before. With great speed in attack”, Guardiola added.
“He has great qualities as a manager. We both know that the other wants to win. He’s a great guy, a great person. I’m happy to be going up against him.
“It’s not any easier in one, two or three games; it’s always difficult. They are a great team. The semi-final is not the most important match, but it is the most exciting”, he concluded.
Luis Enrique’s men won 2 – 0 against Valencia at Camp Nou last weekend and are continuing their strong run in all the competitions.
On Monday, David Moyes’ Real Sociedad lost 1 – 0 to Elche and now they have slumped to the 12th spot on the La Liga table. They face Villarreal at home in their next fixture.
Sevilla couldn’t make the most of Valencia’s loss at the hands of Barca. Unai Emery’s team drew 1 – 1 against Granada, who are fighting hard in the relegation zone. Cordoba also earned a point but they are still at the foot of the table with 20 points. However, Deportivo, 18th, have a decent chance of evading demotion.