The news that Francesc 'Tito' Vilanova left this sinful world was first broken by Barcelona based newspaper 'EL MUNDO DEPORTIVO' last Friday afternoon, hours after it was publicised that the former Barcelona manager was in a critical condition. He finally succumbed to throat Cancer and that has put the football world in mourning. The Chief mourner is Pep Guardiola, a man who probably knows the fallen Tito more than anyone else. Together, in Pep's words, they wanted to eat the world and indeed, they did. Pep and Tito formed an indomitable tag team that won everything on offer in 2009 and went on to achieve what no other duo has ever and may ever achieve. 14 titles in 4 glorious years with Barcelona was like a dream for both men.
Such was the importance of Tito that a minute's silence was observed before Bayern and Werder Bremen kicked off at the weekend. Five goals went in but Pep appeared unperturbed, crest fallen, shaken with disbelief and overcome with grief on the sad passing of a close pal. His attire was all black to pay respect to a man who contributed just as much in Barcelona's total dominance of world football.
Just four days after Tito's death, Pep has another date with destiny. A very crucial second leg showpiece v Real Madrid with his team 1-0 down from the first leg. Bayern Munich have been near perfect all season but this is the match that will decide whether the season has been successful or not. Many wondered how Pep could better Jupp's treble success. Tonight is the night.
Bayern Munich warmed up for this game with a 5-2 hammering of Werder Bremen. Although the result flatters the Bavarians, it was a sigh of relief breathed after the final whistle had gone. Bremen led at half time but Pizarro, Robben and co would hear none of it. In typical Bayern style, they roared back and won the match in preparedness for the visit of Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti's side were without Gareth Bale once again but saw off the challenge of Osasuna in a Ronaldo inspired conquest. Dani Carvajal came off the bench to add gloss to the scoreline after Sergio Ramos went on one of his trademark runs to finish off a move he started. Ronaldo's brace took him to 30 in the League and 47 in all competitions this season. His performance means one thing-Bayern are in for a lot of trouble tonight.
PROBABLE LINEUPS-
BAYERN MUNICH-
Neuer, Lahm, Dante, Boateng, Alaba, Schweini, Kroos, Martinez, Robben, Ribery, Mandzukic
REAL MADRID-
Casillas, Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe, Coentrao/Marcelo, Alonso, Modric, Di Maria, Bale, Benz, CR7
Pep knows all about Real Madrid but how much he knows about Don Carlos' version of the merengues is left to be seen. Die Roten expectedly dominated possession at the Bernabeu last week with tiki-taka on show but no penetration. The manager tactics were heavily criticized by Germany's Pele, Franz Beckenbauer. The Legend, famously called 'The Kaiser' is always critical about people and things like his great friend, Pele. Although, he may have a point in this regard. Pep will not change his philosophy as it is the very same that brought him to limelight. The Spanish manager will want much more than Bayern showed last week and above all, goals. Mario Mandzukic has delivered the goods this term and will be relied upon to make things happen again. Thomas Muller will be ready to come on and make the difference as he almost always does and the Robben-Ribery combination must be on song. It is in defence that lies the main hurdle. Pep must have noticed that Rafinha was uncomfortable at right back and will definitely return Captain Philipp Lahm to his natural position tonight. The best right back in the World has performed excellently in his new midfield role this term but is more comfortable playing as a right back/right wing back. Javi Martinez may be the man to come in and help out in midfield. His partnership with Bastian last season kept Xavi, Iniesta, Vidal and Pirlo quiet and that reduce the work load of the rearguard. Manuel Neuer made a lot of saves in the first leg. Many more will be needed tonight.
Gareth Bale is back. The Welsh demon has fully recovered from the flu which denied him playing time in the last two matches. He sat out the first leg but will be willing to make amends in Germany. He was in sparkling form before he fell ill. If he can decide a Cup final v Barcelona, Bayern have to beware. Bale's return means the BBC trio can start at the ALLIANZ Arena tonight. They are only a few goals away from hitting the 100 goal mark. That is how ruthless they have been this season. Angel Di Maria seems to love assisting others this season, the Argentine winger provided two more on Saturday to become the joint assists leader in La Liga with Fabregas on 14. He selflessness is one of the reasons why Real can still dream of a 'triplete' this season. Sergio Ramos is one yellow away from missing the final if Real Madrid make it to Lisbon. That wouldn't deter him one bit. San Iker returns between the sticks as has been the practise in European games. The custodian kept the Bayern team at bay with some special saves last time. He hasn't featured much but whenever he has, clean sheets have been achieved most of the time.
@ohiskaka1990
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