Bayern Munich and Olympique Lyon

Bayern Munich and Olympique Lyon are not entered favorite Champions League this season. But who thought the two teams is now one more step towards the final and the opportunity to become champions. Who's going to pitch to the final can be seen when Bayern entertain Lyon in the semi-final first leg at the Allianz Arena, Munich,

Travel two teams to semifinals colored by surprise. Bayern overthrew Manchester United in the quarter-finals, while Lyon stop Real Madrid in a big round of 16. So, who will continue to surprise?

Bayern have a tradition in Europe is far more classy rather than Lyon. FC Bayern nicknamed Hollywood-winning four Champions League trophies. On the other hand, qualifying for the semi-finals of Lyon is the best achievement so far.

Domestic record two teams were also opposites. Bayern firmly at the top of the Bundesliga standings, while Les Gones-nickname-Lyon still difficult to penetrate the top four of the Ligue 1. In the Champions League, Bayern are also very powerful when playing home.

However, the record does not make too confident stronghold of Bavaria. Because, Lyon is a special team that is able to increase the level of the game according to the strength of his opponent. That's what Claude Puel was demonstrated upbringing eliminate kala Real and beat Liverpool in the group phase.

"It would be very difficult against Lyon. Because they are a very good team. We must not let ourselves drift off and think about the final," said Bayern midfielder Franck Ribery, told AFP. "Lyon is very organized, very aggressive, and very strong physically," continued the coach Louis van Gaal.

"They have a lot of quick players in conducting counter-attack. Everything is moving the ball well. Would be difficult to overcome a team with characters like that," continued the man of Dutch origin.

Bayern lost captain Mark van Bommel affected by the ban. Meanwhile, Ribery who suffered hamstring problems when Bayern beat Hanover 7-0 Saturday (17 / 4) nights ago was otherwise fit. The player is nicknamed Scarface spent three days undergoing a separate training session with his colleagues.

"Losing Van Bommel is a big loss. But we would be strengthened Ribery. I am sure he will be an all-out. I protect them a bit because the muscle is very fragile," said Van Gaal told Reuters.

One that makes Van Gaal confidence is the fact that Lyon have to spend ten hours melakoni overland journey by bus. At the very least, the physical toughness that became one of Lyon would be reduced weapons. Even the players admit that Lyon had become a nuisance factor.

"It's very difficult for everyone, but we try to accept it. Mentally, we are ready. What we had to do is forget about the trip and focus on the game," said Lyon captain Cris quoted as saying by Reuters.

Puel is also confused with the absence of some players. For example, half-back Jean-Alain Boumsong who injured his calf, Jean Makoun (muscle), Mathieu Bodmer (back), and Lovren Dejan (knee). Condition striker Lisandro Lopez was also in doubt. However, it is possible to impose Puel Argentine striker was playing for the sake of pursuing an away goal.

"Sometimes, there are teams that could finish it all when many people did not expect. Porto've done it by becoming champion in 2004 edition. Maybe it was our turn," said midfielder Jeremy Toulalan.

Barcelona become champions

Barcelona's most become champions this season's Champions League. In addition to the status as the defending champion, Barca's performance since the group phase to set the steps in the semi-final was fantastic.

However, the weight is waiting for your opponent. Barca had to pass hadangan Inter Milan at the Giuseppe Meazza early day.Two teams had already met in the group phase and successfully conquered the Inter Barca. But now the situation is different. Motivation of the Inter penggawa much larger than when the previous meeting.

Host factors become one of the capital for Inter. On the other hand, the third leg of Barcelona's stronghold terhadang Eyjafjallajökull eruption in Iceland, which resulted in the flight schedule in Europe in turmoil. As a result, Carles Puyol et al should pay a visit to Milan by using the road as far as 985 km.

It threatens the penggawa Barcelona stamina. Well, this condition can be an advantage for the host Inter. Moreover, they carry the ambition to end a bad history against Barcelona.

Even so, the penggawa Barcelona remain confident. "With a lot of time we spent with the coach, I'm sure it will help us be more united and solid to beat Inter," explained Sergio Busquets, Barcelona midfielder, told Reuters.

Do not forget, Barca had a good record when met Inter. In eight meetings, Barca won four and drawn three times, while Inter won once.

In addition, Barca are not unbeatable in the party away in the Champions League the past two seasons. They also noted a positive result when the wait on the Italian team. The proof, Barca unbeaten in seven games last.

Inter and Barca have met in the past the group phase. The result, again the dominant Barca. They hold Inter 0-0 at the Giuseppe Meazza and won 2-0 when the host at the Nou Camp.

"We must prepare ourselves in peace. Games like this should be our lakoni by relying on the brain than the feet. Mental duel is very influential in the game full of pressure," said Samuel Eto'o, Inter striker nyang former Barca player, as quoted by Inter Channel.

Although more seeded Barca, Inter squad does not mean losing quality. Inter have a solid back row, midfield creative, and rows of sharp striker. Just look at successful Nerazzurri nickname Inter-eliminate-England champion Chelsea in the quarter-finals earlier.

Barca still have not strengthened the injured midfielder Andres Iniesta. However, Barca came with extra ammunition. Namely, the attacker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and defender Eric Abidal. Problem constraints absence of players, so far it does not become a big problem for Barca. Because, entrenador Josep Guardiola has recipes apt to solve this problem.

On the other hand, the architect Jose Mourinho's Inter a lot to learn from previous meetings. He optimitis this time his team would win. "They never beat us. However, that does not mean they'll come back to beat us again in the next round," Mourinho said as quoted by Soccernet.

Inter Milan vs Juventus

Inter Milan will no longer become capolista (leader of the standings). In fact, the Italian League Serie A live leaves five matches. However, Inter's chances to retain the title is not yet closed. With only one point separated from pemuncak standings AS Roma, Inter still have to be taken into account.

Unfortunately, the rest of the Inter match can not be said lightly. One of them is to wait on Juventus at Giuseppe Meazza, Milan, early day (live broadcast at 01:45 pm Telkomvision 2).

Juve may not be as tough as last season. Performance-nicknamed the Old Lady-Juve this season tends to fluctuate. Sometimes good, sometimes muddy. Even so, they still need to be aware and potentially troublesome Inter.

"We're headed the field with the target wins. Even in the rest of us will face action game full of determination and a tough opponent. We face every game with the same focus," said Inter's Javier Zanetti il capitano Tribalfootball quoted as saying.

Zanetti's right. Although Juve center collapsed, there was no reason to underestimate the Old Lady. Moreover, the record to the Juve side meetings. In the last 5 clashes, Juve won 2 victories, 2 series, and 1 defeat. Facing Inter betting has always been the party of self-esteem for Juve. That's what makes them hard to beat.

Throughout history, the Old Lady was superior to the Nerazzurri, the nickname Inter. In the 180 times a second meeting the team, winning 80 times Juve, Inter won 55 times, and 45 other games ended in a draw.

Given this history, Inter could have slipped again. Now, if that happens, the Nerazzurri would struggle even harder. It's not unlikely that they will increasingly be left Giallorossi, the nickname of Rome.

"We are very confident. I have often heard, there is a saying that every game was decisive for us. Therefore, I believe the determination scudetto will happen to the last party," said Massimo Moratti, Inter's president.

The problem for Inter is a solid schedule they faced in three different events. Zanetti et al recently competed against Fiorentina in Coppa Italia semi-final second leg (14 / 4). After that, there's still a tough task awaits Inter. Ie wait on defending champions Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final first (20 / 4).

These conditions can be utilized Juve. "I hope the players show their best ability," said Alberto Zaccheroni, the architect of Juve.

Unfortunately, the Old Lady can not lose the best troops. They lost David Trezeguet, Martin Caceres, Zdenek Grygera, and Antonio Chimenti. But Juve got an injection of energy with the recovery of Sebastian Giovinco and Diego. Mali midfielder Momo Sissoko is also free from sanctions.

Chelsea step ladder

Chelsea step ladder more stable towards the Premier League champions this season. It followed the Blues 1-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge, London, yesterday morning (14 / 4). John Terry et al are now four points ahead (77-73) for Manchester United with four games remaining.

Chelsea still will be leading three points if Arsenal win the match for Tottenham Hotspur this morning (15 / 4). Gap with its rivals had become Chelsea's advantage in the hunt for the title.

"Titel Premier League is getting closer. But we must remain focused and maintain this positive trend until the 38th match (last, Red)," said Carlo Ancelotti, coach of Chelsea, told Reuters.

"We had four games that are not easy. We're still going away to Tottenham (17 / 4) and travel to Liverpool (2 / 5). We must fight," continued the coach from the Italian.

Ancelotti ogah conceited though Chelsea on the verge of a champion. Digaet coach of AC Milan who were also not moved provocation United coach Sir Alex Ferguson claimed that Chelsea deserve to be champions. The statement was believed to be the psychological war efforts launched by Ferguson.

Now, the condition is almost a reality. Chelsea have struggled to conquer Bolton. Showing trident-Nicolas Anelka, Salomon Kalou Didier Drogba early matches, Chelsea must wait until the 43rd minute to score a goal.

Anelka mengakkhiri kemandulannya over 14 matches. Starting from crossing Drogba, the striker's 31-year free ball to beat goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. Until the fight broke up, Anelka scored the only one who created the game 40,539 spectators who witnessed it.

"Bolton are not easy opponents. They played well and continue to put pressure on us for 90 minutes. We had 21 shots on goal and the opponent did not have at all. In fact, we are only able to score one goal," explained Ancelotti on ESPN.

Drogba admitted the game against Bolton gives heavy pressure for his team. Ivory Coast's bomber must be willing to even consistency scored on four previous games finally stopped.

"We've been through a difficult period when beating Manchester United earlier this month (won 2-1 at Old Trafford on April 3, 2010, Red). As long as we continue to achieve victory in the match remaining, everything will be fine," said Drogba was quoted as saying The Daily Mail.

For Bolton, was the fourth defeat in five matches last. The Trotters-called Bolton-still not safe from relegation noose. Ranked 15th with 32 points from 34 matches, Bolton closed to within five points with only the red zone.

Portsmouth, which has so far been confirmed down to the Championship next season. Conversely, two teams from the Championship has ensured himself participated in the Premier League next season. Namely, Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion (WBA).

Escaped Portsmouth into the FA Cup Final Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Defeat

Party peak seasons FA Cup is really unexpected. In digeber final at Wembley Stadium, May 15 next, the defending champion Chelsea will face Portsmouth, the club recently relegated to the Championship (second caste English League). Portsmouth to the finals after beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 at Wembley yesterday morning.

Road taken by Pompey-Portsmouth-term to get the final ticket was so steep. They must melakoni additional round time 2 x 15 minutes of normal time out due to no goals are created.

New in the ninth minute addition to the first half, Pompey opened the scoring through Frederic Piquionne. After that, Kevin Prince Boateng double advantage through the execution of a penalty in the 117th minute.

"This is the result of crazy, really crazy," said Avram Grant, the coach of Pompey, as reported by AFP. "Considering what happened during this season, plus some of our core players injured before the game, the victory was unbelievable. Players have given everything they could and would not give up until the end," he said.

For Portsmouth, the FA Cup final qualifying for the dignity of the club be a savior in the midst of their travels this season terjalnya. Not only relegated from the Premier League, the club owned by the incoming administration Balram Chainrai league because he could not pay the delinquent debt.

"These results are very meaningful for everyone in Portsmouth," said David James, Pompey goalkeeper, as reported by Goal. "Degraded very painful. But, the players to establish himself in the locker room and played incredible today. We do reserve the right to the finals," he continued.

Portsmouth could not actually fielded the best squad. Midfielder Jamie O'Hara can not play because of the status of a loan from Spurs. Meanwhile, defender Nadir Belhadj injury during practice last. Until the minutes before kickoff, Grant claimed not sure who to play.

With the condition that the enemy is in tatters, Tottenham had dominated the game. They create chances through the duo Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe who incidentally is the former Portsmouth player. Total, Tottenham posted 16 shots on goal and 20 corner Porstmouth.

However, the FA Cup trophy is the only one who can fight for Pompey. Boateng et al do not be surprised if all-out struggle. Supported great mental strength and motivation, they finally won the extra round and escaped to the top. When the long whistle sounded, fans unfurled a banner that read "You can destroy just about anything, except our spirit."

On the other hand, Tottenham coach Redknapp revealed, bad grass Wembley field into the cause of the defeat of his team. She said, a lot of players who slipped the ball when dribbling the middle. Redknapp to watch the other semifinal between Chelsea and Aston Villa Saturday night (10 / 4) and saw the goalkeeper failed to anticipate the ball because the ground was too slippery.

"I'm not trying to find scapegoats for the many opportunities we are in vain. But, the stadium grass is really embarrassing," denounces Redknapp was quoted as saying on Sky Sports.

Olympique Lyon

Olympique Lyon made history. For the first time the home team the city of Lyon, France, those through the last four Champions League. Flights were achieved after their rivals aside countryman, Girondins Bordeaux.

Although Penang host Bordeaux 1-0 at the quarter-final second leg yesterday morning pm at the Stade Chaban-Delmas, remains a Lyon semi-final ticket. Because, in their first leg 3-1 victory.

Well, capital 3-1 victory at the first meeting that made Les Gones (Lyon title) appears more relaxed in the second leg yesterday morning hrs. "Success is sweet gift for all those involved in this club. Especially, the players showed tremendous character in the midst of difficult moments," said Claude Puel, Lyon coach, as reported by Reuters.

Puel admitted, in terms of games, Bordeaux perform better. The claim victory with a score of at least 2-0 to make more daring et Marouane Chamakh attack. They also do not want to lose the ball. Les Girondins (called Bordeaux) dominating the ball Possession by 66 percent to 34 percent.

Lyon prefer to endure the total. In addition to advantages already pocketed in the first leg 3-1, they lost two key players. Namely, the striker Lisandro Lopez and Sidney Govou. By implementing strategic defensive playmaker Miralem Pjanic Puel place on the bench. The goal, can play three midfielders survive at a time.

The strategy was successful enough to reduce the pressure of Bordeaux. The proof, the new Bordeaux goalkeeper Hugo Lloris could tear at the last minute through the first round Chamakh. Solidnya defense mobilized Cris Lyon et Chamakh ensure that these goals are goals that can be created last host.

"This is not an easy game. Before the game, we consider the score was still 0-0 as occurred in the first leg. But, it's still our burden. As a result, we often play in the back because of fear of being broken," said Puel told TF1 television .

In the meantime, Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc is more sorry for the defeat in the first leg last. According to him, his men have done the best in the second leg. However, so many mistakes that resulted in their first leg defeat with two goals difference. Behind it quite difficult to pursue.

"Our experience playing at high level or less. As a result, we often make mistakes, especially in the defense sector. That's what makes us miss two goals," Blanc said as quoted by Football365.

"If you only lost one goal, we will be more easy to turn things around," continued the former French national team defender.

However, Blanc is not entirely to blame his subordinates. However, Lyon is a more mature team at the European level. "I remain proud of my players. They can go far in the Champions League and this is not my guess. I also congratulate Lyon. I hope they can become a successful representative of France until the end of the tournament," he said.

Lyon clearly did not want to just ride through the last four. Moreover, on the way to the semis, they have a track record attractive. Before you get rid of Bordeaux, Lyon elbowed star-studded Real Madrid team in the big 16.

Manchester United to semis Champions League

1-2 on matches first making heavy step Manchester United to grabbed ticket to semis Champions League. Still, opportunities United yet discharged. They got chances to reverse circumstances when entertain Bayern Munchen in Stadium Old Trafford, Manchester premature someday.

Three years ago, United lost 1-2 by Roma within first meeting quarterfinal in Olimpico. Nah, within second meeting at Old Trafford, Satan Merah-epithet United-turning things with victory fantastis 7-1.

But, United seemed going difficult repeat told Bayern. Especially if refers results last match both teams at domestic league respective week.

United surrendered 1-2 to Chelsea at Old Trafford within clashed top two teams Premier League. These results make throne United coup Chelsea. Meanwhile in arena gondry, Bayern facing Schalke 04 who notabene also clashed two club occupants upscale. Despite playing away, Bayern win 2-1 so overthrow Schalke from wealthy top.

"I believe and hoping we going discover new energy to reverse circumstances at Old Trafford," said Nemanja Vidic, defender United, in radio Key 103rd.

According Vidic, United must has mentally champion for maintain opportunities seize triple degree this season. After clasped Cup Carling, Satan Merah got chances champion in League Champions and Premier League.

"Us must shows as one unity and playing like a team. Two kekalahan last, from Bayern and Chelsea, has gives many lessons," recalled players Serbia that.

Lately many circles assess that United very depend told Wayne Rooney. Striker United it print sole goals cage Bayern week. Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti even regard that strengths United diminished many stopped up Rooney.

"Manchester United too easy defeated season because three factors. The players pillars aging, not many improvisation, well depend told one player," explained Alan Hansen, observers soccer who former star Liverpool 1980s, like on Daily Telegraph.

Three factors disclosed Hansen differed with existing in Bayern. This season Bayern began reduce roles players heads three. Beneath upbringing Dutchman Louis van Gaal, FC Hollywood (epithet Bayern) many improvised.

"Bayern season has players with contribution flatten. All players on our team crucial. There or least I also not influential," said Arjen Robben, winger Bayern, as on Daily Star.

Manchester United versus Chelsea

Both candidates will fight the Premier League champions at Old Trafford Stadium tonight (live on ESPN at 18:45 pm). Manchester United versus Chelsea. Two teams are only separated by one point (72-71). With six games remaining, the clash was a very decisive phase for United and Chelsea to pursue the Premier League trophy.

"This is the most important part of this season and we've been waiting for. Laga-final opponents Chelsea felt," said the United skipper Gary Neville was quoted as saying by The Independent.

"You should not suffer defeat at moments like these. Therefore, the impact is very big in our efforts to achieve championship trophy," added the 35-year-old right-back's.

United lost the last game. Red Devils (United's nickname) a painful 1-2 defeat by Bayern Munich in the first leg Champions League quarter-finals (30 / 3). On the other hand, Chelsea have a great capital in line with a 7-1 triumph over Aston Villa in the Premier League (27 / 3).

"Physically and mentally, Chelsea might be better because they no longer play in Europe. But, we're playing at home with the incredible support of our fans," said Nani, United's winger, told United Review.

Nani said, contra game Chelsea can be a turning point in United's effort to realize the three titles this season. One title, Carling Cup, United have secured.

"The victory over Chelsea great value. If we reach it, our journey in the Premier League and Champions League would be overwhelmed with high confidence," said the Portugal players.

The importance of these games are recognized architect Carlo Ancelotti Chelsea. According to him, the match at Old Trafford will determine the competition winner.

"We're not happy in the second rank standings. Moreover, we had eight months at the top. Now we get the right moment to return to the top," explained Carletto, greeting familiar Ancelotti, told Sky Sports.

Ancelotti rate, the game came at the right time. Namely, when physical and mental forces okay. "We scored 12 goals in his last two games and we want to continue the positive episode," said former coach of AC Milan.

Old Trafford became a friendly place in career Ancelotti. The last time competing in the stadium nicknamed the Theatre of Dreams, he lifted the Champions League trophy in 2003 after delivering AC Milan beat Juventus on penalties.

"Old Trafford is not only a fantastic stadium for Sir Alex Ferguson (United coach) and me. So our position is balanced," said Ancelotti. (Dns/c8/ca)

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Estimates Players

Man United (4-5-1): 1-Van der Sar (g); 2-Neville ©, 5-Ferdinand, 15-Vidic, 3-Evra, 25-Valencia, 24-Fletcher, 16-Carrick, 18 - Scholes, 17-Nani, 9-Berbatov

Coach: Sir Alex Ferguson

Costume Team: Red - White

Costume Goalkeepers: Green - Green

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Chelsea (4-1-2-1-2): 1-Cech (g); 19-Ferreira, 26-Terry, 33-Alex, 18-Zhirkov; 12-Mikel; 13-Ballack, 15, Malouda; 8 - Lampard, 11-Drogba-Anelka 39

Coach: Carlo Ancelotti

Costume Team: Blue - Blue

Costume Goalkeepers: Oranje - Oranje

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Stadium: Old Trafford, Manchester

Referee: Mike Dean

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Last Five clash

08-11-2009 Chelsea v Man United 1-0 (Premier League)

09-08-2009 Chelsea v Man United 4-1p (Community Shield)

11-01-2009 Man United v Chelsea 3-0 (Premier League)

21-09-2008 Chelsea v Man United 1-1 (Premier League)

21-05-2008 Man United v Chelsea 6-5p (Champions League)