Bayern Munchen, as reliable as ever

In theory it was the most evenly matched of the quarter finals, but Bayern Munich won both games against Juventus comfortably and for the second season running are into the UCL semi finals.

A 4-0 aggregate win shows how dominant Bayern were against the Serie A leaders. The Bavarians finished top of Group F ahead of Valencia, only losing one match against BATE in Belarus and drawing with Valencia. They beat Arsenal 3-1 away in the second round first leg, but relaxed somewhat in the return and allowed the Gunners to beat them 2-0.

Bundesliga record

Bayern won their 23rd Bundesliga title with six games in hand, an all-time record in the German championship. They’re 20 points ahead of fellow European semi finalists Dortmund, which clearly shows that they have been far and away the dominant side in this year’s competition.

Mandzukic, Kroos and Badstuber out

Bayern Munich’s first choice striker Mandzukic will miss the first leg of the semis through suspension, offering a chance for Mario Gómez to make his mark, after playing a lesser role in the team this year. The other option is Peru’s Claudio Pizarro, who scored one of the goals in the second leg against the side from Turin. Midfielder Toni Kroos and defender Badstuber are also out, this time through injury.

Fearsome midfield

Heynckes is in charge of a world class squad that has Bayern in contention for a historic treble. With a 4-2-3-1 system , it’s their midfield that’s their strongest point, with some tough physical players of the ilk of Schweinsteiger, Javi Martínez and Luiz Gustavo combining with the kind of players that can wreak havoc down the wings, particularly Robben and Ribery, plus the highly talented Thomas Müller.

At the back, Brazil’s Dante should start alongside Boateng or Van Buyten now that Badstuber is out. German international Philip Lahm and young Alaba are the first choice full backs, while Neuer will be between the sticks for the newly crowned German champions.