Champions League: Semis to see battle of tacticians

Zee Media Bureau/ Rajdeep Saha New Delhi: The Champions League semifinal draw in Nyon on Friday promises an enthralling clash of Europe`s in-form teams this season. Defenders Bayern Munich face Real Madrid as the latter is keen to take revenge on the German champions in repeat of the 2011-12 semifinal showdown. On the other hand Jose Mourinho, `The Happy One` sees his team Chelsea take on current La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid. The Spanish dominance in the tournament continues as for the third time in a row, two teams from Spain have qualified in the last four and also paving a way for a possible all Spanish final. Chelsea vs. Atletico: The game`s two most desired managers see themselves battling it out. Jose Mourinho and his counterpart Diego Simeone are tactically the two most supreme leaders. Both are a player`s manager and are equally hardworking and know how to get the most from their players. The last time the two teams met, Atletico had trounced Chelsea 4-1 in the UEFA Super Cup. The hero of the match – Radamel Falcao, now plays for Monaco and neither did Chelsea have Jose at that time. The odds have changed and so has the outlook of the team since then. Diego Simeone has done the impossible and see his side in touch of La Liga title and is fresh from beating giants Barcelona in the quarters. His tactics were profound and the Argentine made sure Barca were unable to beat his side for the fifth time in a row. Lionel Messi looked a shadow of himself in both the legs and that is how Atletico kept him away and saw off Barca`s tiki-taka style of play. Atletico are the only team that are unbeaten in the Champions League this term and has won each of their home games. On the other hand, Chelsea have grown stronger under Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese`s return to the club has ensured a new sense of belief amongst the players, staff and fans equally. Mourinho is a master of tactics and his pressing style of play against PSG paid rich dividends after Chelsea won the return leg 2-0 to get a hold over PSG, over the two legs. Mourinho`s touchline run, which ostensibly looked like one of his old celebrations, showed the Portuguese`s alarmity over the lead with the match still alive for another three minutes. An away goal from the visitors would have killed the joy out of Stamford Bridge. Such is his dedication and being an expressive, fearless manager Mourinho will be wary of the potent threat a tireless Atletico possess. UEFA has ruled the fact that Thiabus Curtois can play against Chelsea which is his parent club and that is a positive sign for Rojblancos. The return of Spain striker Diego Costa and winger Arda Turan will boost their hopes going into the tie. It will be a game based on tactics alone and whichever camp comes out with a out of the box ploy will see more of the chances. Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid: Defending champions, Bayern Munich will eye their fourth continental final in five years, hoping for a repeat of last year`s Wembley master-class. But their opponents provide a bigger barrier who look determined to complete their La Decima, the unprecendented 10 European titles. For the Spaniard in Pep Guardiola, Santiago Bernaebau is a familiar territory and will like to continue his good form against his favourite rivals Real Madrid. It is for the first time Guardiola will head back to Bernaebau after leaving Bacelona. For Bayern, the odds are heavier in the tussle after seeing out a gritty Manchester United in the quarters. Despite losing several key players in the run-up to the return-leg tie in Munich, the Bavarian giants showed their familiar self through an overall display of technical superiority over the visitors. And it goes without saying, that the German champions are still the biggest threat to Real with an ensemble of stars akin to Madrid`s own Galacticos. Bayern have been ruthless in Bundesliga and are the favourites to win the continental title too. Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery have been at their best and striker Mario Mandzukic has been amongst goals. It is a sight Guardiola is enjoying and will hope it continues against a formidable Real side. Bayern will dominate possession just as Pep guided Barca over the years. For Carlo Ancelotti, the draw serves as a wake-up call as he wouldn`t like his team to repeat the second leg performance agains last year`s finalists Dortmund. In the quarters, Marco Reus scored two goals inside the first half for the Germans and keeping the tie alive despite Real`s three goal advantage from the first leg. Real were dominated in Germany and held their nerves to scrape through. The team boasts of Cristiano Ronaldo, who alongside Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema will look to cause problems to the vulnerable Bayern defence. It is likely Real will sit deep and wait for the counter and in that domain, they are the best team in the world now. Ronaldo has scored a record equalling 14 goals this term. A goal or two against Bayern will see him surpassing his famed-rival Lionel Messi. Guardiola and Ancelotti are previous winners of the competiton and has experience to read the game their opponent will offer in Spain and Germany respectively.