The semi final picture of the Champions League is complete as Real Madrid win a derby for the first time this season, beating Atletico Madrid 1-0 on aggregate as well thanks to a late Chicharito goal. Juventus got the job done by drawing 0-0 in Monaco, going through 1-0 on aggregate as well.
Like two weeks ago, only one goal came from this double encounter. After another derby of mostly excellent tactical discipline from the Colchoneros, it was Chicharito, the forgotten striker on the edge of the bench getting more minutes thanks to a Karim Benzema injury, with the 88th minute goal, putting Real Madrid in the semifinal.
After seven derbies in which Real Madrid failed to beat their city rivals, it took an Arda Turan red card and the fantastic close range finishing ability of the Mexican striker to finally get one over Diego Simeone.
In Monaco, there wasn’t much to say. Juventus defended well and Gianluigi Buffon had to stretch his limbs only once in the entire match. It’s Juve’s first Champions League semifinal since 2003, when they made it all the way to the final, losing in penalty kicks to AC Milan. This completes the Semifinal picture. Four giants of European football: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus. The Italian champions, only two-time winners of the trophy, are actually the small fish in the pond on this occasion.