Written by Jed Vine
Embed from Getty ImagesFour teams became two as we near Sunday’s Champions League Final. But just how did the teams perform in their attempts to reach Europe’s biggest showpiece?
PSG 3–0 RB Leipzig
Embed from Getty ImagesPSG eased past Leipzig as they won a ticket to their first ever Champions League Final. Brilliant performances from all of their star-studded front three gave the Germans no chance of an upset.
Neymar was at the heart of everything yet again, hitting the post early on before winning a free-kick in the 12′ minute. The resulting set-piece saw Di Maria whip a wonderful cross into the danger area, and Marquinhos popped up to power a header into the top corner to score his second goal in two Champions League games.
It was another free-kick that so very nearly caught Leipzig out. From around 45 yards out, Neymar spotted Gulacsi out of position, and, with one step, curled a fantastic effort towards goal, hitting the base of the near post. Nearly a fantastic semi-final goal.
It was Neymar who made the difference for the French side’s second. Gulacsi played an awful pass straight to Paredes, and his chipped ball found Neymar in behind the defence. The Brazilian proceeded to pull of a quite remarkable back heel volley that found Di Maria, who tucked away a simple finish. An absolutely stunning assist by Neymar.
The 56′ minute saw PSG put the game safely to bed. Jordi Mukiele found himself on the ground after a slip, claiming a foul. Yet Di Maria played on, playing a cross into Juan Bernat, who was kept onside by Mukiele. Bernat glanced a header past the Hungarian goalkeeper, and the left-back got his second goal of the season (despite Neymar’s attempts to get a touch on the ball on the line).
A sublime showing from PSG, who never looked like losing the match. They will look forward to their first ever Champions League Final on Sunday.
MOTM: Angel Di Maria
Lyon 0–3 Bayern Munich
Embed from Getty ImagesBayern Munich followed up their unbelievable result against Barcelona with another win as they beat Lyon in relatively comfortable fashion.
It was actually Lyon who had the greater chances in the early stages, with Memphis Depay missing a one-on-one with Neuer and Toko-Ekambi hitting the base of the post. It appeared that Lyon knew how to counter-attack Bayern, yet these missed chances came back to bite them, as Bayern showed just how clinical they can be. Kimmich’s long ball found Serge Gnabry, and the winger was able to run past a few Lyon defenders with ease, before powering a left-footed strike into the top corner.
It was Gnabry who added Bayern’s second too, after Perisic’s cross found Lewandowski. Somehow, the Polish striker couldn’t tuck it away, but Gnabry was on hand to finish past the on-looking ‘keeper on the rebound.
Despite their comfortable lead, Bayern never really looked up to their usual standards. This is, however, a real testament to just how good they are, as they held a big lead over the side who had knocked out Juventus and Manchester City whilst playing at less than 50%. Hansi Flick truly has made Bayern quite an unbelievable outfit.
Despite a few missed chances, Lewandowski was never really going to be left out of the scoring. In the 88′ minute, Kimmich whipped in a free-kick to the middle of the box, and the striker rose highest to head the ball past Lopes for Bayern’s third. It was his 55th(!) goal of the season, and his 15th in just 9 Champions League games. He has been by far the best number 9 in the world this year, and his incredible numbers match that statement.
Bayern will face PSG on Sunday, and PSG will hope that the German side isn’t on top form, as, had Bayern played at full capacity against Lyon, it could’ve been a cricket score.
What a mental team.
MOTM: Serge Gnabry
