Bayern Munich minutes ago beat visiting Barcelona of Spain 3-2 in the European Champions League semifinal at the Allianz Arena but it was not enough to see the Germans progress to the final.

Medhi Benatia had raised Bayern’s hopes after heading in the opener on seven minutes but two goals from Neymar, in the 15th and 29th minutes, sent Barcelona into the dressing room at halftime with a whopping 5-1 aggregate lead and an almost assured place in the final on June 6 against either Juventus or Real Madrid, who play tomorrow in Madrid.

On the restart, Lewandowski drew the hosts level in the 59th minute while Thomas Mueller ensured victory in the 74th minute, scoring from distance with a shot that diving Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen couldn’t reach.

That, however, failed to book a final ticket in view of Bayern’s 3-0 thrashing in last week’s first leg at the Nou Camp.

The Germans’ ouster was a heavy disappointment for coach Pep Guardiola, who has failed to replicate his huge success at Barcelona, where he won 14 trophies from 2008-12, before switching over to Bayern two seasons ago.

•Photo, courtesy of AP, shows action during tonight’s match at the Allianz Arena in Germany.