Bayern Munich 3 - 2 Barcelona (Barcelona won 5-3 on aggregate)
El Clasico is still a possibility for this year's Champions League final, after Barcelona produced a professional performance in their semi-final second leg tie. Although the Catalans ultimately lost 3-2 on the night against German side Bayern Munich, they were true to their word and refused to 'shut up shop' despite leading 3-0 from the first leg. Bayern regained some of their pride with a spirited display, although in truth they were always too far behind in the tie to alter the outcome.
Real Madrid can make it an all-Spanish final, should they overcome Juventus in tonight's second leg.
Flying start for the Germans
Medhi Benatia seemed to be backing his belief that the tie was far from over, as he headed in the opening goal for Bayern on 7 minutes. The vociferous German fans sensed a deja-vu moment perhaps, after the turnaround against Porto in the previous round. They were to be disappointed though, given Barca's quick response.
Neymar double as Suarez provides the assists
Two breakaway goals for the Spanish La Liga leaders ensured that Bayern were unable to maintain their early momentum. The much admired front three for Barcelona of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar combined for the equaliser on the night.
Messi timed his pass to perfection to break the offside trap, Suarez ran on to the through ball and unselfishly squared to Neymar for the tap in. Suarez again dovetailed delightfully with Neymar on 29 minutes, although the Brazilian had to control the ball this time before shooting powerfully past Manuel Neuer.
Suarez substitution allows Germans to make a mini-comeback
The all-South American frontline was broken up at the break, with the energetic Suarez being rested as a precaution with a tight hamstring.
That change removed some of the attacking threat from the visitors, allowing Bayern their chance to regain some credibility on the scoreboard. They took the opportunity with both hands, Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller sliding shots past the otherwise impressive Marc-André ter Stegen in goal for the Spanish.
Bayern held on for the victory
The home side held on for a much-needed victory for their confidence, despite Barcelona's late attempts to regain parity on the night.
Neymar tried to return the assist favour for his teammates when well-placed in the area himself, but his pass to Messi was slightly over-hit and the chance was spurned. It allowed the German champions to end their four-match losing streak, after this year's title had been secured.
Missed opportunity?
Although the German side were not helped in the tie by the unavailability through injury of both Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, they were comfortably beaten over the two legs. Yet they had cause to look back on several missed opportunities in the second leg, which could have edged them close to the seemingly impossible.
The young German keeper for their guests, ter Stegen performed admirably in goal, keeping out several Bayern efforts at the Allianz Arena.
One save in particular from Lewandowski at close range fully justified his selection, as he first parried the shot with one hand and then raced back to scoop the ball away before it crossed the line.
The tie was over in effect after the first leg, but even then the Germans had promised far better. They had ended the away leg 3-0 behind, but all three goals had been scored in the final 13 minutes. That proved to be their undoing.