adminAs ecstatic supporters drove past a stadium illuminated in Bayern red in the small hours, they could reflect on how it had earlier been lit up by a Jupp Heynckes side which had displayed ominous quality, power and fierce intensity.
Barcelona have traded on an ability to torture opponents in the Champions League. But the thorough going over they received in this 4-0 semi-final mauling was the sight and sound of a team getting a taste of their own medicine.
There was irony in this triumph too.
Heynckes, the 67-year-old elder statesman who is being moved aside to accommodate Pep Guardiola’s return to the game, had publicly dismantled the monument to tradition and football purity lovingly built by the man who will be his successor. Brick by brick.
Only a fool would suggest that this was a night — played out in a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere before fans sensing they were witnessing something special — when the Barca era ended.
Heynckes was far too wise and respectful to buy that one when it was proffered to him.
This was more a case of Bayern confirming their status as the coming force rather than Barcelona falling from the established order.
If Bayern, the game’s old drama queen dubbed “FC Hollywood” in days gone by, wanted to send a message to their rivals at home and abroad, this was the evening they delivered it.
It started with confirmation that Bayern had agreed a £32m deal to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Mario Gotze, a 20-year-old coveted by Europe’s elite.
The timing was staggering, with Borussia having a Champions League semi-final of their own against Real Madrid 24 hours later and with the possibility of Gotze playing against his soon-to-be team-mates in May’s final at Wembley.
Then came the defeat of Barcelona. It was a win of such significance that it may yet be seen as a landmark moment, although the response of the deeply wounded Catalans will be awaited with interest. — BBC Sport.
Online Reporter