Alvaro Morata and Neymar Jr. prove the difference in each of their semifinals as Juventus meet Barcelona for the final in Berlin.
The Estadio de Santiago Bernebeu was jam packed Wednesday night to support the reigning Champions league winners.
Real Madrid came right out of the gates against Juventus with a high power attack and quick passing. Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodriguez together, gave the Juventus defense and Gianluigi Buffon a great deal of concern. Buffon was forced to make a brilliant save from Gareth Bale and Benzema in the first half using his quick reflexes to push each of the shots out for a corner kick.
In the 23rd minute of the game James Rodriguez was tripped by Giorgio Chiellini inside the box awarding Madrid a penalty. Over the past weekend in La Liga Ronaldo missed a penalty against Valencia, but surely the two-time balon d’or (world player of the year) winner would not miss twice. Real Madrid took the lead 1-0.
Following a very entertaining first half of the game there seemed to be a change in momentum prior to the second half whistle. Juventus stepped on to the pitch two minutes earlier than Madrid and stood on their side of the field with a look of determination and intent to overturn the one goal deficit.
The Italian side were a different team in the second half dominating possession and forcing Madrid players like Gareth Bale, into awkward defensive positions. Bale found himself in his own defensive half way too many times therefore, eliminating chances of a counter attack if things went wrong for Juve.
In the 57th minute Juventus were rewarded for their display of class and character amongst all players. Pirlo’s corner was punched away by Iker Casillas to midfielder Arturo Vidal, who volleyed the ball back into the box. His co-midfielder Paul Pogba was open to head the ball towards the middle of the box to Alvaro Morata, who controlled the ball well and struck it into the back of the net.
“I was very emotional to score a goal, but it was a bittersweet feeling,” said Morata following the match according to goal.com.
The former Real Madrid striker scores again against his former team sending Juventus to their first Champions League final since 2003 on a 3-2 aggregate.
Juventus defeated Real Madrid in the semi-final in 2003 to play AC Milan in Old Trafford however, they lost in penalties and Milan walked away with the trophy.
It is also Gianluigi Buffon’s second Champions league final in his career. The former World Cup Winner with Italy has practically won all the important trophies in his career except the Euro and the Champions league. This is most likely his last opportunity to win the Champions league as he is 37 years old.
Over in Germany on Tuesday, May, 12, Barcelona entered a hostile Allianz Arena against Bayern Munich.
The Bavarians took an early lead in the match thanks to defender Mehdi Benatia after heading home a well delivered corner kick. Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen (of German Background) had no chance to save the header and the crowd inside the Allianz Arena erupted.
It is well known for an away side to feel some pressure from the home crowd especially in a semi-final, but if it is any team in this competiton to exceed that pressure and find a way to silence the crowd, it would be Barcelona.
Later in the first half a great run through the midfield from Neymar left Bayern defenders disorganized from the pressure they applied against the Brazilian international. Neymar passed the ball to Lionel Messi and in his wide open space he was given, Messi found a gap through the defence to pass the ball to striker Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan was one on one with Manuel Neur, but instead of shooting, he passed the ball across the Neymar and the game was tied.
The Arena was silent and in a state of shock that Bayern had conceded an away goal in a time where conceding was not an option. It was an awful moment for the German’s, and midway into the first half the awful feeling would only get worse.
Suarez entered the Bayern half unchallenged allowing him to run forward to the top corner of the box before passing the ball across to Neymar once again, beating Manuel Neur for a second time short side. The two away goals meant that Bayern would have to score seven goals in total and surely that margin was not possible against a strong Barcelona team.
In the second half, Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller each scored to give Bayern the win at home and a loss on aggregate 5-3. Barcelona reaches the Champions League Final since 2011, when they defeated Manchester United 3-1.
Barcelona will square off against Juventus on June 6th in Berlin in what should be an exhilarating final.
RAB Sports 
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