Preview: 2013/14 UEFA Champions League – Semi-finals

Two very balanced ties, and probably it couldn’t have been otherwise at this level, but the story could have been a bit different if Bayern and Real hadn’t drawn together, because they probably have something more, and it would have been the most expected Final.

Anyway almost every tie would have been very interesting for different reasons:

Real Madrid CF - FC Bayern München 50%-50%
A Final, probably these are the two best teams in the competition.
Josep Guardiola against his historical rival, that he should know quite well.
Bayern probably plays a better football, but Ancelotti can manage the “locker room” a bit better, anyway both of the teams could win the tie without playing well, thanks to their individuality. 

Chelsea FC - Club Atlético de Madrid 48%-52% (assuming that Courtois will play)
Mourinho vs Simeone, two great and very charismatic coaches, it will be a chess game.
These teams plays a quite different kind of football, Atlético plays a bit better, while Chelsea is more physical and, maybe, has more individualities (and money).
Plus the Courtois’ affair.

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The other possible Semi-finals, that anyway could be the Finals, will be very interesting as well for several reasons:

Real – Chelsea 63-37%
Mourinho against his not very loved past and not very loved former players.

Real – Atletico 50%-50%
A Derby.

Chelsea – Bayern 40%-60%
A 2012 Final and 2013 Super Cup rematch.

Atletico – Bayern 43%-57%
Probably the only match with no collateral aspects.
“Just” a great match on the pitch.