Champions on parade

Real Madrid are favourites to triumph again

Spain dominate the semi-finals of the Champions League for the second season running.

Holders Real Madrid and last year's runners-up, Valencia, are joined by shock contenders Leeds and 1999 beaten finalists Bayern Munich.

Semi-final line-up:
Real Madrid v Bayern Munich
Leeds United v Valencia

BBC Sport Online looks at the four clubs still vying for the title of 'Best in Europe'.

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Bayern Munich:

Munich's Scholl is a deadball specialist

Have made it through to the semi-finals yet again and deservedly so after disposing of Manchester United in the quarter-finals.

Bayern have their sights set firmly on success in Europe rather than at home and are a team to be feared.

The Germans were beaten by Real Madrid at the same stage last season and will be seeking to avenge that disappointment.

Mehmet Scholl is an inspirational figure in the middle of the park and poses a real danger from deadball situations.

At the back, goalkeeper Oliver Kahn is an enormous presence and can help win matches with his shot-stopping ability.

Key man: Mehmet Scholl.

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Real Madrid:

Capable of dismantling most sides without needing to shift into top gear.

Have looked mightily impressive so far, although they lost their final qualifying game against Anderlecht.

Figo is just one of Real's dangermen

Comfortably got past Galatasaray in the quarter-finals despite a scare in Istanbul which saw the Turkish side come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg 3-2.

There was no stopping Raul and co in the return as the Spanish side eased to a 3-0 second leg victory.

Quality oozes from every position, with Luis Figo, Raul, Roberto Carlos and Steve McManaman just four names to conjure with.

Favourites to hold on to their title - and with just cause.

Key man: Luis Figo.

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Leeds United:

Viduka's goals have proved vital for Leeds

Surprised many by reaching the second phase of qualifying but refused to be overawed when drawn in a group that included Real Madrid, Lazio and Anderlecht.

Were the first of the English clubs to seal their place in the last eight - and deservedly so.

Leeds trounced Deportivo la Coruna 3-0 at Elland Road in their quarter-final first leg and sneaked into the last four following a 2-0 defeat in Spain.

Valencia and Leeds have not met in European competition since the third round of the old Fairs Cup two seasons running in the mid-1960s.

What Leeds lack in experience they more than make up for in skill and youthful exhuberance.

Their biggest strength is their attack, which boasts Mark Viduka, Alan Smith and the fit-again Harry Kewell.

Key man: Mark Viduka.

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Valencia:

Mendieta is at the heart of Valencia's rise

In Hector Cuper, Valencia have one of the shrewdest coaches in the business.

He has turned the club into one of the most respected in Europe, although his tenure looks set to end when this season finishes.

Criticised for selling such star names as Claudio Lopez, Farinos and Gerard last summer, Cuper replaced them with the likes of Norwegian striker John Carew, who is among the leading scorers in the Spanish league.

Gaizka Mendieta pulls the strings from the heart of midfield and is a big reason why Valencia finished above Manchester United in qualifying.

Valencia saw off Arsenal on the away-goal rule in the last round and will provide Leeds with a stern test.

Key man: Gaizka Mendieta.