A real heavy weight clash between two of Europe\u2019s most prestigious clubs. Both clubs have the pedigree. Both clubs have the players. It\u2019s just a question of which player is going to make the difference. Of course all eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo as he continues to blitz scoring records for Real. Kaka seems to be regaining the form of old, while Mesut Ozil and Karim Benzema will keep defenders on their toes, not forgetting Gonzalo Higua\u00edn.<\/p>\n
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For Bayern, Mario Gomez is second top scorer in the competition, behind Leo Messi, and will pose a dangerous physical threat to the Real defence. Arjen Robben will be out with a point to prove against his previous employers, while Franck Ribery and Thomas Muller make up a very dangerous and technically gifted midfield for the Germans marshalled by Bastian Schweinsteiger. Elysium\u2019s bet is on Real over two legs, but only just.<\/p>\n
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Chelsea<\/strong> vs. <\/strong>Barcelona<\/strong> (1st<\/sup> leg Weds 18th<\/sup> April & 2nd<\/sup> leg Tues 24th<\/sup> April)<\/h3>\nThe meeting of old foes. Previous encounters between these two sides have traditionally been bad tempered fiery affairs, but the games have always delivered on drama. Barcelona is the football purist\u2019s dream \u2013 elegance, aggression and desire all wrapped into a flowing passing team. Xavi, Andreas Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas are a joy to watch. Add to this the Messi factor \u2013 possibly the greatest footballer on earth at present \u2013 and Roberto Di Matteo\u2019s side have plenty to fear.<\/p>\n
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Chelsea are not the resilient force they were a few years ago \u2013 it\u2019s an older team but one full of valuable experience. The odds are heavily stacked against Chelsea- but just like the tie against Napoli, Chelsea need to go out there and play without fear and need a big game from the likes of Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard. It\u2019s a huge ask against the current holders though, and Elysium predicts Barcelona to win this tie with moderate ease.<\/p>\n
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The Final<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe semi-finals throw up many storylines for the final but Elysium just can\u2019t get past the allure of Barcelona vs. Real Madrid final \u2013 El Classico on the biggest stage. Jose Mourinho has been tormented but Barcelona during his time at the Bernabeu, but this season could be a turning point. With Real leading the Spanish division this could be the grandest way for the \u2018Special One\u2019 to conquer demons by landing the La Liga and Champions League crowns at the expense of Barcelona. To find out exactly what an El Classico entails, be sure to watch this Saturday (21st<\/sup> April) as the Camp Nou plays host to the latest instalment of Mourinho vs. Barcelona.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Of course Bayern have a major part to play \u2013 motivation will be high with the knowledge the final will be held on home turf at the Allianz Arena. They are a vastly experienced team, who fell at the final hurdle to Mourinho\u2019s Inter Milan in 2010 so could be out to settle a score. The old romantics could hope that Chelsea beat Barcelona so that Mourinho can square up to his beloved Chelsea in the final \u2013 this is highly unlikely though.<\/p>\n
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So that leaves Barcelona, with Messi, Xavi, Fabregas, Iniesta, Alexis Sanchez et al. This is a team who\u2019ve dominated the competition over the years. Whatever happens, we\u2019ll all be in for a feast of skilful brilliance regardless who makes the final. Elysium predicts an El Classico final. It\u2019s got to happen.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\nThe semi-finals throw up many storylines for the final but Elysium just can\u2019t get past the allure of Barcelona vs. Real Madrid final \u2013 El Classico on the biggest stage. Jose Mourinho has been tormented but Barcelona during his time at the Bernabeu, but this season could be a turning point. With Real leading the Spanish division this could be the grandest way for the \u2018Special One\u2019 to conquer demons by landing the La Liga and Champions League crowns at the expense of Barcelona. To find out exactly what an El Classico entails, be sure to watch this Saturday (21st<\/sup> April) as the Camp Nou plays host to the latest instalment of Mourinho vs. Barcelona.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Of course Bayern have a major part to play \u2013 motivation will be high with the knowledge the final will be held on home turf at the Allianz Arena. They are a vastly experienced team, who fell at the final hurdle to Mourinho\u2019s Inter Milan in 2010 so could be out to settle a score. The old romantics could hope that Chelsea beat Barcelona so that Mourinho can square up to his beloved Chelsea in the final \u2013 this is highly unlikely though.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n So that leaves Barcelona, with Messi, Xavi, Fabregas, Iniesta, Alexis Sanchez et al. This is a team who\u2019ve dominated the competition over the years. Whatever happens, we\u2019ll all be in for a feast of skilful brilliance regardless who makes the final. Elysium predicts an El Classico final. It\u2019s got to happen.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n