Judging by some of the very average defending on show from the Germans, Didier Drogba may fancy his chances. Bayern will also be without the suspended David Alaba and Luiz Gustavo.
So there will be no special fairy-tale for Jose Mourinho, who had hoped to be playing his old team. Mourinho's side had actually started this game so strongly, looking to disappear over the horizon as Ronaldo swiftly took his goal tally to 54 for the season.
"The years pass, the legend is eternal" read a banner the size of the Bayeux Tapestry behind the Bayern goal that Real were storming towards in a gripping first half, seizing a two-goal lead through the regal Ronaldo. Until Robben dragged Bayern back into it with a 28th-minute penalty, Madrid had seemed on a mission, playing some incredible passes, over short distance and long.
Xabi Alonso was at the heart of it, playing the quarterback, living up to his SatNav nickname sweeping passes around. Mesut Özil darted here and there. Angel Di María cut in from the right. Karim Benzema buzzed about, creating holes for midfielders to pour into.
But all eyes were on Ronaldo, who was fouled after only 44 seconds. No matter. The Portuguese attacker was superb; even a full-back as accomplished as Philipp Lahm, Bayern's captain, could not deal with him. His movement and pace were irresistible. Ronaldo's accuracy was exceptional, beginning with his penalty after four minutes.
The decision was tinged with controversy, Bayern angry that David Alaba, their left-back, was deemed to have handled. When Di Maria volleyed goalwards, there was little he could do to get out the way. Viktor Kassai, the Hungarian referee, pointed to the spot. Ronaldo placed the ball down and then placed it confidently, unerringly into the net.
Alaba sought to make amends, embarking on a long run which ended with a cross that Arjen Robben somehow lifted over the bar from close range. The game was breathless, the noise unrelenting, the technical quality outstanding and some of the defence totally hapless. Bayern defenders were all over the place when Ozil advanced, slipping a pass through for Ronaldo to finish with a low shot.
The game was swaying from end to end. Ronaldo ran in and crossed, sending palpitations through Manuel Neuer and his defence. Then Bayern made it 3-3 on aggregate. When Pepe pushed Gomez, who was chasing a Toni Kroos ball, the Madrid defender could easily have walked. Gomez was through on goal, and Pepe was fortunate to receive only a yellow. The bath seemed to be running for Pepe, though.
Bayern still returned from their excursion into Madrid's box with tangible reward, although Iker Casillas was so close to reaching the spot-kick from Robben, his old colleague.
And on it went, chance after chance through extra time.
In the penalty shootout, Madrid were awful, with Ronaldo and Kaka having their shots stopped by Neuer, while Sergio Ramos's shot barely stayed in the stadium. For Bayern, Kroos and Lahm had their efforts saved by Casillas, but Schweinsteiger clinched their spot in the final. - ©The Daily Telegraph
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