On the 1st of May 2013, there was a change in the tide of European football. The previously universally revered FC Barcelona, had been struck down by Jupp Heynckes’, previously dubbed “FC Hollywood," Bayern München.

Over two legs the Munich side were rampant and ever since, they have possessed a fear factor similar to the one Barcelona wielded under Pep Guardiola.

Now the two clubs will meet again in the same round of the same competition, and the stakes will be even higher. Guardiola will be desperate to prove to the world that he remains the world’s premier manager, while Luis Enrique will be desperate to silence his doubters with an emphatic victory against the most successful manager in Barcelona’s history.

It seems very unlikely that the score line will be so one sided this time around, but in anticipation to this huge match in European football, VAVEL will revisit both legs of the fateful 2013 tie.

23 April 2013 – Allianz Arena – Munich – 1st leg

A feverish atmosphere encapsulated the Allianz Arena as the respective fans filed in. Bayern had just been named German champions and confidence was high amongst players and fans alike.

For Barca, the pre-game talk had surrounded Lionel Messi’s fitness, and as the game developed it was clear he was not at his creative best, as Barcelona failed to create any meaningful chances. But to blame the Argentine’s condition for what unfolded would be unfair on the Bavarians.

From the outset Bayern pressed in true Barcelona style, containing Barcelona in their own half, making the usually effortless Iniesta, Xavi and Busquets look uncomfortable in possession.

With the ball, Bayern played with a similar tempo to the one they pressed at. On a well-watered pitch, Bastian Schweinsteiger ran the game, playing short and long passes to the likes of Thomas Müller and Arjen Robben as if in slow motion.

Bayern were in control.

The first goal of the game settled any nerves the Bayern players had, as Müller headed home from close range, and from that point on, there was no stopping the men in red and gold. Bayern’s expansive play continued, and all observers would unquestionably acknowledge that the Catalan club were fortunate to only be one goal down at half time.

There was no way back for Barca, and with the fans on their backs it became another night to forget for Villanova’s side, in particular for Gerard Pique who doubled Bayern’s lead on the night by slashing into his own goal. The Spaniard hung his head almost in shame as he walked back towards the centre circle, and although it was difficult for a fan to empathise with such misfortune, with the vast majority feeling sympathy for a man who had revelled at Barca in the last few years.

Just 10 minutes later a convincing aggregate defeat became an embarrassing one, as in true Müller style the score was made 3-0, with his poacher’s effect from the back post.

This final compounding of Barca’s woes signalled the handing over of the torch Barca had held for the past five years, as they had been convincingly defeated home and away by Europe’s new superpower Bayern Munich, who went on to win the tournament in less convincing style against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.

Who holds Barca’s torch now is unclear. Bayern failed to secure it as theirs, as did Real Madrid who although also featuring in the tournament’s semi-finals have seemed to have faltered along the way. Under Enrique, Barcelona still look ever threatening as they showed against PSG, a side who should not be underrated. This semi-final has the potential to shape European football for years to come.