over the last three seasons that Real have managed to defeat Bayern. But the Spaniards have made the most of their rare victories and have now knocked the German side out of the competition twice during that period.

Bayern, who led 1-0 after the first leg, weathered the Real storm thanks to some assured defending and the failure of the Real attack to convert a host of early chances. The German side even came close to grabbing a vital away goal in the dying moments of the first half and it was not until Ivan Helguera slid in at the far post to turn in a Roberto Carlos cross in the 69th minute that Real saw the tie swing their way.

Real added a second five minutes from time after Raul controversially elbowed his way past defender Thomas Linke before passing to the unmarked Guti, who clipped in over keeper Oliver Khan. „The best side won,“ said Real coach Vicente del Bosque. „I think that it is fair to say that our performance in this competition has been absolutely brilliant, with great commitment from all our players.“

The win against Bayern means that Real‘s dream of winning the European Cup in their centenary season is very much alive. But first the eight-times European champions have to face the little matter of a semifinal against their arch-rivals Barcelona.

Reuters