Bayern Munich 2-1 Manchester United
UEFA Champions League
30 March 2010
Manchester United would strike first with an early goal from Wayne Rooney. It came from a free kick on the wing that was crossed into the box by Nani. Rooney made a run into the box as the ball deflected and fell right to him where he volleyed it into the back of the net. It was poor defending as one of the Bayern players had slipped and Rooney was unmarked inside the box.
The home side would pick up their play later in the second half but Manchester United still had some good chances. Rooney had another later in the first half but couldn’t direct his shot to a corner as it was saved. As the match continued into the second half, Bayern began to be the more attacking side and tested United goalkeeper Edward Van der Sar several times.
Fortunately, most of their shots on goal were near Van der Sar and he was able to make the saves. The absence of Robben was noticable as Bayern Munich were missing just a little bit of quality in the attack that he can provide. The match remained 1-0 for Manchester United halfway through the second half.
The home side did have the better chances in the second half but didn’t have many clear-cut chances. Finally in the 77th minute, Franck Ribery would get the equalizer. It was a free kick from about 20-25 yards out and deflected off the wall (specifically Wayne Rooney) and into the left corner of the net. It was a break for Bayern but they were the better side in the second half.
After conceding the goal, the Red Devils would get a great scoring chance. Vidic had a header from a corner kick that hit the crossbar and would have given Manchester United two crucial away goals. It would be a wide open last few minutes as Bayern looked for another goal. They would almost get it in the first minute of stoppage time as Gomez got free in the box but couldn’t get the shot past Van der Sar.
Memories of the 1999 final came alive as Bayern would get their second goal in stoppage time. Olic would steal the ball from Evra and score with a low shot to the right corner. The Man U defense was caught off guard and the goal would give Bayern Munich a 2-1 lead heading into the second leg.
It will now head to Old Trafford with Manchester United needing to overcome a one goal deficit.
Bayern Munich 2-1 Manchester United Video Highlights
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