Bayern Munich came into the Champions League final on Saturday looking for redemption, and their commitment paid off as the Bavarians beat German rival Borussia Dortmund 2-1 to take home the cup.
Munich has appeared in the Champions League final in three of the last four years, and though their runs to cup are impressive, they didn’t win a single one of them until Saturday. The Bavarians most recently lost to Inter Milan from Seria A in the 2009-10 final and to Chelsea from the Premier League in 2011-12.
After two finals’ losses in three years, Munich finally had their night, but not before Dortmund made things interesting. The Black Yellows controlled possession to start the game and looked to have the upper hand for most of the first half.
Late in the half, Munich picked up the pace and created chances to open up the pitch. Arjen Robben had multiple runs that were shut down by BVB’s keeper Roman Weidenfeller, but he broke through in the second half to give the Bavarians their first Champions League title in 12 years.
Robben set up Mario Mandzukic in the 60th to give Bayern Munich a 1-0 lead but it was quickly erased seven minutes later when Ilkay Gundogan scored on a penalty after Dante fouled Marco Reus.
With the score even at one, the back-and-forth play looked to be heading beyond 90 minutes and possibly into a penalty shootout for the cup. The Bavarians wanted no part of it, as they lost 4-3 in penalties to Chelsea in the same final last season, on their own turf no less.
Arjen Robben was on the pitch that day, and 12 moths later he finally has his redemption, as he beat Weidenfeller in the 89th minute to give Munich a 2-1 lead with precious time to spare.
The Bavarians would hold on as Michael Neuer got the best of Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski, who had multiple chances stopped by the Munich keeper throughout the match.
Do you believe Bayern Munich will be back in contention for the Champions League final next season after winning it all in 2013?
[Image via Rayand ]
