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Champions League | Semi-Finals
May 12, 2015 at 7.45pm UK
 
BL

3-2

Benatia (7'), Lewandowski (59'), Muller (74')
FT(HT: 1-2)
Neymar (15', 29')

Player Ratings: Bayern Munich 3-2 Barcelona (Barca win 5-3 on aggregate)

:Headline: Player Ratings: Bayern Munich 3-2 Barcelona (Barca win 5-3 on aggregate): ID:222512: from db_amp
Sports Mole takes a look at how each player performed as Barcelona booked their spot in the Champions League final at the expense of Bayern Munich.

Barcelona booked their spot in the 2015 Champions League final despite losing 3-2 to Bayern Munich in the second leg of their semi-final on Tuesday.

Barca eventually advanced 5-3 on aggregate following a 3-0 victory in the first leg last week.

Neymar scored twice for the visitors in Munich, while Medhi Benatia, Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller were on the scoresheet for Bayern.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each player performed in Munich.


BAYERN MUNICH

Goal

Manuel Neuer: Made a decent save to deny Ivan Rakitic early on, but might be a little disappointed with his part in Neymar's second goal. Perhaps should have saved the Brazilian's low effort. (6/10)

Defence

Rafinha: Found it really difficult to deal with Barcelona's front three in the first period, but the Brazilian was much improved in the second and linked up well in the final third of the field. (6/10)

Jerome Boateng: Was bowled over by Lionel Messi in the first leg, but had a much better game this time around. Got caught too high on a couple of occasions, but did pretty well overall. (7/10)

Medhi Benatia: Got his name on the scoresheet in the seventh minute when he met a corner from Xabi Alonso, but like Boateng, found it difficult to deal with Barcelona in the first half. (7/10)

Juan Bernat: Had a couple of decent attempts in the second period when he broke into the final third, but the left-back struggled to show his attacking qualities on a consistent basis. (6/10)

Midfield

Xabi Alonso: Did his best to keep things moving in the middle of the park and once again, the Spaniard was excellent in possession. Got caught pace-wise in the first period though. (7/10)

Philipp Lahm: Once again deployed in the middle of the park and the German led by example from the first whistle. Always prepared to take possession in difficult areas of the field. (7/10)

Bastian Schweinsteiger: Came close to finding the back of the net on a couple of occasions and his influence grew as the match developed. Set up Bayern's last two goals on the night. (8/10)

Thiago: As expected, the Spaniard was excellent in possession of the ball and caused problems when he picked up pockets of space. Certainly played his part for the German champions. (7/10)

Attack

Thomas Muller: Came close to registering on a couple of occasions in the first period, but had to wait until the second period to score what was a super goal. Always a threat in the final third. (8/10)

Robert Lewandowski: Missed a couple of golden opportunities in the first period, but continued to drift into the right positions and showed his class to score Bayern's second just before the hour. (8/10)

Substitutes

Sebastian Rode: Has been a favourite of Pep Guardiola this season and certainly contributed during his 20+ minutes on the field. Was an energetic presence at both ends. (7/10)

Javi Martinez: Too late to make an impact on the match after entering in the 87th minute, but his return from a long-term injury will go down as a major positive despite Bayern's elimination. (6/10)

Mario Gotze: Will have been extremely disappointed not to have started once again and the German World Cup winner hardly touched the ball in the latter stages of the game. (6/10)


BARCELONA

Goal

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: Was by far the busier of the two goalkeepers and the inexperienced German made some super saves in the first period. Kept out five of the eight attempts on his goal. (7/10)

Defence

Dani Alves: Has been in excellent form over the last couple of weeks, but the Brazilian was not as involved in Munich. Not too much wrong, but was not much of an attacking threat. (6/10)

Javier Mascherano: Was beaten a little too easily for the Lewandowski goal, but did make a number of crucial interceptions in the second period. Has had better games this season. (6/10)

Gerard Pique: Should have been the organiser in his back four, but Barca were poor defending the set piece that led to Bayern's opener. Largely solid at the heart of the defence though. (6/10)

Jordi Alba: Like Alves, Alba is usually such a threat in the final third, but understandably, his main role in Munich was to defend. Had some excellent moments and also some difficult moments. (6/10)

Midfield

Sergio Busquets: Found it difficult to contain Bayern during the home side's strong start, while it was also tough for the Spaniard during large spells of the second period. (6/10)

Andres Iniesta: Always capable in possession of the ball, but the Spaniard found it difficult to make his mark such was Bayern's pressure in the middle of the park. Departed for Xavi in the 75th minute. (6/10)

Ivan Rakitic: Has become a key player for the Catalan outfit in recent weeks and the Croatian once again played his part here. Took up a number of clever positions and was strong in possession. (7/10)

Attack

Neymar: Two goals in the first period ensured that it was a fairly comfortable night for Barcelona. Showed excellent composure for the second as he continued his excellent run of form. (8/10)

Luis Suarez: Has come to the forefront in the biggest games this season and that was again the case here. Set up Neymar for both of the Brazilian's goals, but was substituted at the break. (8/10)

Lionel Messi: Was overshadowed by both Neymar and Suarez on the night, but played his part in both Barcelona goals and always looked capable of making something happen. (7/10)

Substitutes

Pedro: Replaced Suarez at the interval, but the winger, who scored a stunning over-head kick at the weekend, found it difficult to make his mark in the final third of the field. (6/10)

Jeremy Mathieu: Missed the first leg with an Achilles problem, but played the final 20 minutes in Munich after replacing Rakitic. Provided another body at the back for Barcelona. (6/10)

Xavi: Came on in the 75th minute to make his 150th Champions League appearance. Neat and tidy in possession of the ball, but Bayern were in control during the latter stages. (6/10)


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