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Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich Will Decide the 2011 Audi Cup Championship
The finals for the second ever Audi Cup are set for Thursday, July 27th, and if you feel like this tournament has flown by you are right. This jam-packed four team tournament takes place in two days.
To even further compact the action the Audi Cup doesn't feature any extra time. If these games are tied at the end of regulation they go straight to penalties. That rule came in play in both of Wednesday's opening games.
Both of the first day's games went down to the wire and beyond. They were both settled in shoot outs.
Champions League winner Barcelona beat Internacional Porto Alegere 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw on Tuesday, and Bayern beat AC Milan 5-3 after a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes. The Audi Cup chooses to forgo extra time and instead goes straight to penalties.
Barcelona was able to prevail despite playing without the services of Lionel Messi and many other regulars. They took an early lead but were caught by the Brazilian squad before prevailing in penalties.
On the other side, Bayern had to come from behind after a fourth-minute goal by Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Toni Kroos equalized in the 34th and the match stayed level from there.
Now Barcelona and Bayern Munich are set for the finals in the Audi Cup. Bayern will try to defend their cup championship, as they won the first Audi Cup.
This match will likely come down to a battle of reserves. Many of Barcelona's starters didn't make the trip, and after using the vast majority of their starters for 90 minutes against AC Milan on Tuesday, Bayern will likely send their B-team to the pitch against Barcelona.
Unlike Barcelona, most of their usual first-team squad will be available from the bench, exscept Arjen Robben. Robben picked up a knock in the semifinals and will join Franck Ribery in the stands.
Stay tuned to Bleacher Report's World Football Page for all up-to-date news and analysis.
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