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Bayern Munich hit Barcelona for four

Bayern Munich romp to a 4-0 victory against Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie.

Bayern Munich have opened up a 4-0 lead after the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie against Barcelona.

Visiting goalkeeper Victor Valdes had to save from Arjen Robben as early as the fourth minute before the hosts had a penalty appeal turned away when Philipp Lahm's shot struck the elbow of Gerard Pique.

Bayern's Thomas Muller celebrates scoring against FC Barcelona during the Champions League semi final first leg on April 23, 2013© AP Photos

Bayern took the lead in the 25th minute when Robben's looping cross was headed back across goal by Dante for Thomas Muller to stoop low and head into the net.

The visitors' best chance of the half came when Pedro's low cross was turned just wide by Dante, with Lionel Messi lurking just behind.

Bayern were 2-0 ahead just four minutes into the second half when Mario Gomez volleyed home from a couple of yards from Muller's knockdown. The German frontman did appear to be offside when Muller made contact.

Bayern's Mario Gomez celebrates scoring against FC Barcelona on April 23, 2013© AP Photos

The German side continued to threaten as Muller and Franck Ribery fired wide before Robben got above Alexis Sanchez but couldn't head Bastian Schweinsteiger's free kick on target.

Barca could have snatched a vital away goal midway through the second half, but young defender Marc Bartra couldn't poke a loose ball past Manuel Neuer from a couple of yards.

Just a minute later it became 3-0. Robben did a stepover to beat Jordi Alba who was then barged off the ball by Muller to allow Robben a free shot at goal and he nestled it in the far corner.

Bayern's Arjen Robben celebrates scoring his side's third goal against Barcelona on April 23, 2013© AP Photos

Barca defender Bartra again had a clear opening to grab a goal but blazed high and wide after being left unmarked from a free kick.

Muller completed the rout for Bayern in the 82nd minute by bundling David Alaba's cross into the net after some swift interplay.

Bayern's Thomas Muller scores his second goal against FC Barcelona during the Champions League semi final first leg on April 23, 2013© AP Photos

Frustration was creeping into the Barcelona ranks and Alba will miss the second leg because of his booking for throwing the ball into Robben's face.

The return leg takes place next Wednesday evening at Camp Nou.

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Bayern's Thomas Muller celebrates scoring against FC Barcelona during the Champions League semi final first leg on April 23, 2013
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid29226164204472
2Barcelona29197360342664
3GironaGirona29195559342562
4Athletic Bilbao29168550262456
5Atletico MadridAtletico29174854342055
6Real Sociedad291210742311146
7Real BetisBetis29101273433142
8Valencia28117103232040
9Villarreal29108114751-438
10Getafe2991193742-538
11Las PalmasLas Palmas29107122932-337
12Osasuna29106133343-1036
13AlavesAlaves2988132635-932
14Mallorca29612112535-1030
15Rayo Vallecano29611122538-1329
16Sevilla29610133644-828
17Celta Vigo2969143244-1227
18CadizCadiz29313132040-2022
19Granada2828183058-2814
20Almeria29110182857-2913


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