LISBON (Reuters) - A year ago Bayern Munich had narrowly emerged as champions in one of the tightest Bundesliga title races, and ended up overhauling their ageing squad as veterans Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and Rafinha left.
Fast forward 12 months and a leaner, stronger and faster Bayern are not only German league and Cup winners again but they produced one of the most remarkable displays in European soccer on Friday as they obliterated five-time European champions Barcelona 8-2 to reach the Champions League semi-finals.