Taking substantial cushions in to the second legs on Wednesday, neither Real Madrid or Schalke 04 were expected to be troubled in progressing through to the semi-final stage of the Champions League. Their respective opponents, Tottenham and Inter Milan were at least looking to salvage some pride, even if a miracle was too much to hope for. However, neither Spurs or Inter were able to improve their fans' moods, with Spurs losing 1-0 at home as Real completed a 5-0 drubbing, while Schalke won 2-1 at home to finish 7-3 victors over Inter.
And so the stage is set for a massive semi-final confrontation between the two Spanish giants in Madrid and Barcelona. The two legs will be preceded by two other clashes between the pair, as they will meet at the Bernabéu in La Liga this Saturday and then the Copa Del Rey final in Valencia next Wednesday. Real will host Barcelona in the first leg on the 27th of April before travelling to Camp Nou on May the 3rd. The tension in Spain will be unbearable over the next three weeks, at least, with the title still up for grab, although anything less than a Madrid win on Saturday would see Barcelona putting the champagne on ice as they enjoy an eight point lead at this stage.
The other semi final will see Schalke host Manchester United on April 26th before the return leg at Old Trafford on May 4th. The final will be held at Wembley on May 28th. Real Madrid have previously won the title nine times, Barcelona three, and United twice. It would be Schalke's first final appearance if they were to overcome United.
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