Bayern faces uphill climb
MUNICH — Bayern Munich must do what only one team has ever done in the history of the Champions League: overcome a three-goal deficit in the knockout rounds.
That would be hard enough against any opponent, much less against Lionel Messi and Barcelona’s high-powered attack.
But that’s the task facing the German champion Tuesday after losing the first leg of their semifinal 3-0 at Camp Nou last week, with Messi contributing two superb goals.
In the 23-year history of the Champions League, only Deportivo la Coruna has managed to wipe away a three-goal deficit, beating AC Milan 4-0 at home in the 2004 quarter-finals after losing the first leg 4-1.
Five-time champion Bayern, seeking its 11th final on June 6 in Berlin, can feel some optimism due to its unblemished record at home this season in the competition, with 19 goals scored and one conceded in five games. In its last two Champions League home matches, Bayern has scored 13 goals, including a 6-1 rout of Porto after a 3-1 away defeat.
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique is not taking anything for granted, and has reminded his players about that 6-1 comeback.
“We don’t want to have a crazy game and if it is a crazy game we will have to calm it down with counterattacks,” Luis Enrique said Monday. “We want to have the ball. It will be difficult because Bayern will do the same thing.”