Champions League 2011 First Semi Finals (Second Leg)

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Face saving. Barcelona hosts Real Madrid on the final of 2 legs semi-finals with a commanding 2 goals lead. As expected the match really lived up to every department of an epic entertaining match. With the home side having a 2 goals advantage, Barcelona does not seem to be taking the backseat on the return leg and Real Madrid was not to be outdone, attacking Barcelona from the first minute. However, the visitors just could not crack the sturdy defense of their opponent which boast an impressive ensemble of Puyol, Pique, Alves, Mascherano and season custodian Valdez. It is just delightful to see Guardiola's ensemble bringing the game to Real Madrid once again, frustrating and containing the visitors. With Iniesta back in Barcelona's line up, we could see a much smoother flow and control of the midfield which credited to 12 attempts at Real's goal as oppose to Real's 4. A timely return too, as he is instrumental to the goal scored by Pedro where he played his fabulous trademark defense-splitting ball through to Pedro for a clinical low finish from the Tenerife-born forward into Casillas' bottom right corner. Once again, Barcelona scored first and increase their goal aggregate. Real tried everything with Ronaldo, Higuain, Alonso, Kaka and even Adebayor to break Barcelona but, they just could not find the net. Just when it seems totally impossible, some hope was restored as Marcelo levelled the scores for the night, firing home from close range after Di Maria had hit the post and then squared the rebound for his better-positioned team-mate. Tried - the visitors did but coming into the return leg with a 2 goal deficit and against the hot favorite of the tournament is just asking too much. When the referee finally blew his whistle for full time, Real could only take this as a face saving match. Final score: Barcelona - 1 Real Madrid - 1 Scorers: 54' Pedro (Barcelona) 64’Marcelo (Real Madrid)