Make no mistake about it though, this scoreline does not flatter the German champions whatsoever. They surely must be considered favourites for the Champions League with this win.
89'
Jordi Alba gets yellow.
X. Shaqiri enters the game and replaces F. Ribéry.
This is Barcelona we're seeing here, isn't it? Could we be as bold as to say that the Catalan side are now out of the Champions League, despite having the full second leg to play?
88'
Dear oh dear, tempers boil over as Alba throws the ball off the face of Robben. He's a lucky boy as he just receives a booking for the offence, but he will now MISS the second leg at Camp Nou. Another blow for Barca.
87'
A. Sánchez gets yellow.
B. Schweinsteiger gets yellow.
Alexis Sanchez's frustration gets the better of him as he attempts to pull back the raging bull that is Arjen Robben down the right. The Chilean receives a yellow card for his trouble.
85'
Thomas Muller comes off to a hero's ovation from the Allianz Arena crowd as he's replaced by Claudio Pizarro. Meanwhile David Villa comes on for Pedro for Barca. Not a lot of time to make an impact.
83'
David Villa enters the game and replaces Pedro.
C. Pizarro enters the game and replaces T. Müller.
Well, when was the last team we seen Barca take such a trouncing? They have been out-fought, out-classed, and out-played tonight.
82'
T. Müller has scored a goal for Bayern Munich! Assist by D. Alaba.
GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAL FOR BAYERN!! THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE!!! 4-0!! Alaba runs on the overlap down the left-hand side and lashes a cross along the six yard box for Muller, who nets from close range!! He's deserved that goal!
80'
VALDES KEEPS BARCA IN THE TIE!!! Muller bursts down the right and bullies Alba off the ball before stabbing a point-blank shot at goal, but the Barca 'keeper saves his team with a big, big block!
78'
Just over 12 minutes left for Barca to get back in this tie. If they can get an away goal, it will change the whole complexion of the next leg at Camp Nou. Still plenty of time...
Minute
Description
76'
BARTRA!!!OHHHHH WHAT A MISS!! The ball breaks to the Barca defender at the back post from a set-piece but he panics and balloons the ball over from six yards! What a chance that was!
74'
There was some controversy in that!! It looked like Muller deliberately blocked off Alba when Robben burst into the box! Definite foul there! That shouldn't have stood!
73'
A. Robben has scored a goal for Bayern Munich! Assist by B. Schweinsteiger.
GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL FOR BAYERN MUNICH!!!3-0!!! Schweinsteiger slides the ball out to Robben who takes on Jordi Alba before cutting inside from the byline and curling a superb finish into the bottom left corner!
71'
Luiz Gustavo enters the game and replaces M. Gómez.
Speak of the devil! Neuer comes off his line to make a superb punch out of the box, and Bayern can counterattack here!
70'
First change of the match comes from Bayern. Goalscorer, Mario Gomez, comes off to be replaced by Luis Gustavo. A slightly defensive change from Jupp Heyneckes?
69'
Come to think of it. Has Manuel Neuer even had a save to make in this match? Have Barca been limp up top or have Bayern simply been too solid to concede chances?
68'
First real glimpse of the Messi-magic as the Argentine twists and turns inside the box before powering a right-footed shot towards the near post, but Alaba turned the ball out for a corner, which they take quickly.
66'
Wasteful again from Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean has picked up possession a few times in the last couple of minutes but lost the ball with a pass inside and then a directionless cross to the back post.
64'
Great defending from Boateng. Messi comes deep to receive the ball and lays it neatly out wide to Alves who whips a teasing cross to the back post. Pedro looks poised to head in but the former Manchester City defender managed to stretch out his neck to glance the ball away.
62'
This is Barca's best period of possession in the second half, but again it's lacking in some imagination. Whenever the ball comes to the feet of Messi or Iniesta they are instantly hounded and hunted by the Bayern defence and mifield.
61'
I mentioned the workrate of Ribery in the first half but the same must be said for Robben in the opposite flank. When was the last time we seen the Dutchman put in such a superb defensive shift? They really want this victory, do Bayern, they crave it.
60'
Lahm sums up the superb attitude of the Bayern players as he hustles ad harries Iniesta down at the corner flag before eventually sliding in and earning a throw-in for his team.
58'
Barca are just getting back into their passing game again now, which is strange to think considering we are almost 15 minutes into the second half. They just haven't managed to recycle possession as well as usual tonight, mainly due to the valiant pressing of Bayern.
56'
Just wide!! Another warning sign is given to Barca as the free kick is whipped in and Robben rises above everyone to glance a header at goal that goes just wide of the right-hand post. Valdes would have had no chance if the attempt was on target.
55'
Another set-piece for Barca to defend as Dani Alves cynically takes out Muller on the right-hand side. Schweinsteiger will take.
54'
RIBERY!! THEY ARE ALL OVER BARCA HERE! Robben cuts inside before stabbing the ball out wide to Ribery who, glides past Alves before lashing a left-footed strike across goal that goes just the wrong side of the post!
52'
MULLER!! That wasn't far away! The German skips past challenges on the edge of the box before reversing a strike to the bottom left corner, but it goes just wide of the post! Valdes was certainly scrambling to get across!
51'
We're really going to find out what Tito Vilanova's team is made of now. With Messi apparently still toiling with injury, who do they look to now for inspiration? They better find it, and quick
50'
What a time to score for the Germans! Just as Barca would have came out from the break with a fresh attitude and mindset, they are pegged back again!
49'
M. Gómez has scored a goal for Bayern Munich! Assist by T. Müller.
GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAL! GOAL GOAL GOAL!!! BAYERN DOUBLE THEIR LEAD! Robben swings a corner kick to the back post and Thomas Muller nods the ball down to Mario Gomez, and the unmarked German slots home from a yard! Shades of offside but where on earth where the Barca defenders?!
48'
It looks like a ticket to this match is the hottest in town! Not even the injured Bayern Munich centre-back can get a seat!
46'
Javi Martínez gets yellow.
WE ARE BACK UNDER WAY IN THE ALLIANZ ARENA!
44'
A pass from Dani Alves sums up Barcelona's first half. Xavi swings in a corner and the ball is cleared out to the Brazilian who looks to shift the ball back out wide, but instead puts his pass straight into the stand.
43'
Almost a sensational pass from Messi. The maestro picks up the ball 25 yards from goal and clips a pass round the corner of the Bayern defence, but Alba just couldn't manage to find that extra yard to get on the end of it at the back post.
42'
Ribery's workrate have been absolutely first class so far. Time and ttime again the Frenchman has retreated back to help out David Alaba at left-back whenever Dani Alves probes forward.
40'
It was probably inevitable that Bartra would enter the referee's book. The youngster has been a little off the pace so far and earns a yellow card for needlessly taking out Muller from behind. He'll need to be careful for the rest of play.
39'
Marc Bartra gets yellow.
38'
Bayern once again coolly play their way out of defence. Dani Alves had managed to get in behind but his cross was quickly closed down and the hosts make their way up the park. Another attack from Barca that lacks in pace and intensity.
37'
M. Gómez gets yellow.
36'
First booking of the match goes to Mario Gomez, and deservedly so. The German unceremoniously charged down Messi when the Argentine was looking to turn and drive at goal. Deserved yellow card.
35'
The duel between Muller and Alba down the right-hand side is becoming quite a battle. This time they tug and fight for possession before the ball comes the Barca man for a Bayern corner. They have had so many set-pieces in the first half! Have they made the most of them?
34'
Terrifc play from Javi Martinez. The Spaniard hunted down Iniesta and eventually earned himself a foul in a great position. He gets the appreciation from the home crowd.
32'
@iambemshima writes on Twitter: "Oh no Bayern. You don't score against Barca that early. You just woke up a hunger. Better play harder now Bavarians."- An astute analysis! You're right, never count out Barcelona!
30'
The penalty shouts are raining in for Bayern! This time though there's no real validity in the claim as the ball bounces off the hand of Sanchez inside the box. The Chilean couldn't do anything about that.
29'
Bayern have got the bit between their teeth now. Barca need to dust themselves off, and quickly, they haven't got out of the blocks!
28'
Ohhh could so easily have been an own-goal from Dante!! Alexis fizzes a ball across the six yard box and the Brazilian just took it off the foot of Messi who was lurking at the back post! He could have easily turned that into his own net! Good defending in the end.
27'
The Bavarians press ahead again! Robben relentlessly closes down Pique as the Barca defender retreats back to goal, but the ball eventually gets back to Valdes, who humps it up the park.
26'
You have to say, that was coming. Barca have showed absolutely no attacking threat so far!
25'
T. Müller has scored a goal for Bayern Munich! Assist by Dante.
GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAL FOR BAYERN MUNICH! THE HOSTS STRIKE FIRST!!! A cross is stood up to the back post and Dante heads the ball back across goal to Thomas Muller, who squeezes a header past Valdes at the front post! 1-0 BAYERN!
23'
Barca are really struggling to get out of their own half here. Iniesta, Pedro, Messi, Sanchez; they just can't retain the ball at the moment!
21'
Commanding goalkeeping from Valdes as he comes off his line to powerfully punch the corner to safety. Barcelona get the free kick as Dante jumped into the 'keeper illegally.
20'
Dodgy defending from Marc Bartra! The Barca youngster gives a wayward pass straight to the feet of Muller, who drives towards goal, and eventually gets another corner kick. The set-piece count is rising for the home side!
19'
Barca have managed to keep the ball relatively comfortable so far, but the counterattacking threat of Bayern will always be on their minds.
17'
Luckily for Barca, the ball comes in and is put straight back out to the right-hand side, where Robben is standing offside. The visitors get the free kick.
16'
Superb play again from Lahm. This time the Bayern captain twists and turns on the right-hand side before earning another corner kick out of Alba. The set-piece threat of the hosts has to cause Barca porblems sooner or later.
15'
Robben swings the corner kick in but Barcelona manage to get the ball out of danger. Pedro picks up on the wing and attempts to take the play down the park. He's been quiet so far.
14'
Penalty shout for Bayern!!! Lahm gallops down the wing ans cuts inside before lashing a strike at goal from the edge of the area, only to see his attempt cannon off the elbow of Pique inside the box! I've seen them given you know!
13'
Bayern just on the ascendancy a little. Schweinsteiger has spotted that there is plenty of space on the wings to utilise, and has started to bring Lahm and Alaba more into the game on the flanks.
12'
It isn't long before the Catalans reclaim possession, though, and the Allianz Arena crowd start their boos again. Whenever fans boo when Barca have the ball, their throats gets a bit hoarse as the game goes on!
11'
@H18Khan writes on Twitter: "Certainly a nail-biting clash! For me, the winner of this match is the winner of the Champions League!"- I think Real Madrid and Dortmund would have something to say to that, but the winner could come from any of the four in my opinion!
10'
The lightning quick opening 10 minutes has calmed down slightly as both sides begin to find their feet. Now it's Bayern's turn to get their feel for the ball as Schweinsteiger slides the ball out to Lahm on the right-hand side.
9'
Frank Ribery is coming extremely deep to try and pick up the ball. He just cam all the way back to the edge of the penalty box to seek possession from Boateng. Get up the park, Frank!
8'
A warning for Bayern as Pique out-jumps Dante in the air to power a header at goal from a corner kick. It goes wayward but the Spaniard just showed what he is capable of aerially.
7'
Vital interception by Dante! Lionel Messi gets his first touch of the match and goes on a signature run through the middle. He attempts to exchange a one-two with Alexis Sanchez but the Brazilian defender was in the right place at the right time to claim back possession.
6'
Barca look to take the sting out of Bayern's quick opening by sweeping the ball around inside their own half. The hosts aren't pressing too much at the moment, and seem content to let the visitors have it.
5'
Half-hearted penalty shout for Bayern as Javi Martinez takes a tumble inside the area after corner kick. The former Athletic Bilbao man felt a nudge from Bartra and went down, but he was never getting a spotkick for that.
4'
ROBBEN!! Great save from Victor Valdes!! Barca uncharacteristically give the ball away and the Dutchman weaves his way into the penalty area and stabs a shot at goal, but the 'keeper sticks out a leg to make a vital stop!
3'
The shaven-headed Gerard Pique brings the ball out from defence. The Barca man clearly trying to make himself look tough against the Germans! I wouldn't mess with him to be fair!
2'
Barca typically start the match with their patient passing along the back four, and already the home crowd have started their loud jeers! It's deafening!
1'
WE ARE UNDER WAY AT THE ALLIANZ!
I'm Martin Macdonald, and it's my pleasure to take you through the action this evening!
This is what it's all about, folks. Two of Europe's titans clash in surely one of the most aesthetically mesmerising stadiums in the world. What lies in the balance? A place in the Champions League final at Wembley.
Both Bayern and Barca know it will be vital to take a good result to the second leg at Camp Nou next week. The Bavarians will certainly be looking to attack tonight as they look to their home advantage.
Bayern subs: Starke, Van Buyten, Rafinha, Shaqiri, Gustavo, Tymoshchuk, Pizarro.
Barca subs: Pinto, Montoya, Abidal, Song, Thiago, Cesc, Villa
There is some interesting absentees and returnees for both sides...
Philippe Lahm, Javi Martinez and Bastian Schweinsteiger all return for Bayern to the starting XI after being rested at the weekend. However, the hosts are missing top goalscorer, Mario Mandzukic, who misses through suspension. Influential midfielder Toni Kroos is out due to injury.
Javier Mascherano and Carles Puyol also miss out with respective injuries. However, the Catalans are given a massive boost as Lionel Messi features for the first time since the quarter-final match against PSG. The Argentine had missed a few games due to a hamstring injury, so you have to wonder whether or not he is fully fit.
In a quick nod to the second leg, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Alex Song, Philipp Lahm, Dante and Luiz Gustavo will all miss the match at Camp Nou if they pick up a booking tonight.
This truly is a big-game atmosphere tonight. Surely the biggest game of the season? This should be an absolute classic, I hope I'm not jinxing anything by saying that!
Bayern Munich have won 18 of their last 19 matches in all competitions, with the solitary defeat coming against Arsenal in the Champions League round of 16 second leg. Not bad form then...
Whereas Barcelona have only won two of their last eight away games across all competitions. However, The Blaugrana are on an eight-match unbeaten run on German soil stretching back to 2001.
Something's gotta give!
The players make their way out to the field as the Allianz Arena is draped in a sea of red and white banners. Such an intimidating atmosphere? How will the Barca players fair?
The famous Champions League anthem plays out and we are almost ready for kick-off! Goosebump-inducing!
TEAM NEWS.
Half time in the Allianz Arena. A solitary strike from Thomas Muller is the difference at the moment as Bayern Munich lead Barcelona 1-0 in the first leg of the semi final between the German champions and the soon-to-be Spanish champions. The hosts have been impressive but Tito Vilanova's men haven't started yet!
We are at the break in this glamour fixture in Germany. How do we see the match, and the tie, going from here?
It looks as if Lionel Messi has been rushed back from injury. He saved Barcelona in the previous match against PSG coming off the bench but this Bayern team are a totally different animal. He's been a yard off the pace and is lacking his usual tempo and intensity.
To be fair to the Argentine, though, he's certainly been given the roughhouse treatment!
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