The main story of the Champions League semi-final draw was a Barcelona reunion for Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola, who managed near world domination with the Catalan giants during his time there as a player and manager.
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Barcelona gossip
The Spaniard built the Nou Camp team into a formidable side feared throughout world football with a style of play almost impossible to play against.
Guardiola has also been credited with the development of Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the world’s best player, who blossomed under his tutelage and guidance.
This isn’t the first time the two sides have faced each other at this stage of the tournament though, as Pep Guardiola was on the wrong end of a 7-0 aggregate thrashing when managing Barcelona in 2013. The same year, Bayern went on to win the trophy following a 2-1 win in the final over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley, following a dramatic late winner from Arjen Robben.
Pep Guardiola will face the monster he created #UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/7une6eJh75
— MESSISTATS (@MessiStats) April 24, 2015
Pep Guardiola when he realises his team comes up against Leo Messi… pic.twitter.com/YkHyNoExCt
— Yakatak Football (@YakatakFootball) April 24, 2015
Pep Guardiola: “It was an honour to be the coach of the best player I have ever seen and probably the best I will ever see.” — Quotes on Messi (@MessiQuote) April 24, 2015
Barca v Bayern. It’s going to be weird when Pep Guardiola celebrates every time each team scores a goal. — Brooks Peck (@BrooksDT) April 24, 2015
It will be the first time that Pep Guardiola has managed a team that’s played vs. Lionel Messi in a competitive game. pic.twitter.com/CIZBKiqYm5
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 24, 2015
Pep Guardiola returns to Barcelona and Thiago Alcântara could face his brother Rafinha on the pitch. pic.twitter.com/iNRgRs6lR2
— Football__Tweet (@Football__Tweet) April 24, 2015
Pep Guardiola: “I tried to make Messi the best player in the world but he ended up making me the best coach.” pic.twitter.com/vg9R4rYp2l — Football__Tweet (@Football__Tweet) April 24, 2015