The prospect of an all-German or an all-Spanish European Champions League final next month remains alive after Friday’s semifinal draw.
But with the Spanish and German teams kept apart when European football’s governing body UEFA made the draw for the last four, the Wembley showpiece could just as easily feature yet another Germany-Spain clash.
Last year’s beaten finalists Bayern Munich, who have already secured the Bundesliga title, take on Spanish league leaders Barcelona.
In the other match, Borussia Dortmund will play Real Madrid, as representatives of Europe’s current dominant footballing powers go head-to-head. Remarkably, the four semifinalists can boast a total of 18 European titles between them. Real lead the way with nine victories, although their last success dates back to 2002. Their arch-rivals Barcelona and Bayern both have four and Borussia weigh in with their single victory in 1997 when they upset favourites Juventus 3-1 in the final.
Neutral fans were probably hoping for a Bayern vs Barcelona final, promising a feast of football between arguably the continent’s two top teams of the moment and its all ready to begin.
But with the Spanish and German teams kept apart when European football’s governing body UEFA made the draw for the last four, the Wembley showpiece could just as easily feature yet another Germany-Spain clash.
Last year’s beaten finalists Bayern Munich, who have already secured the Bundesliga title, take on Spanish league leaders Barcelona.
In the other match, Borussia Dortmund will play Real Madrid, as representatives of Europe’s current dominant footballing powers go head-to-head. Remarkably, the four semifinalists can boast a total of 18 European titles between them. Real lead the way with nine victories, although their last success dates back to 2002. Their arch-rivals Barcelona and Bayern both have four and Borussia weigh in with their single victory in 1997 when they upset favourites Juventus 3-1 in the final.
Neutral fans were probably hoping for a Bayern vs Barcelona final, promising a feast of football between arguably the continent’s two top teams of the moment and its all ready to begin.