Bayern Munich lived up to their nickname FC Hollywood after they qualified for the last 16 of this season’s Champions League in truly dramatic fashion. They never seem to do the task in hand the easy way. Drama always seems to surround the Germans (and sometimes it’s not in their favour either).
After a somewhat roller coaster ride in the Champions League campaign this term, the Germans needed a final day away victory against Juventus to ensure qualification to the knock out phase of the Champions League. Bayern not only won, but won in style. They thumped Juventus 4-1 in Turin , and sent out a strong message to all their opponents.
After going behind to the Bianconeri in the 19th minute , the Germans showed great character and resilience and did not only come back, but decimated the Italians in their own back yard. The 4-1 scoreline was indeed an embarrassment for the Old lady. Not only the result but the overall performance by Bayern was magnificent. Bayern Munich it seems are ready to lock horns with Europe’s elite once again.
For a club that has won the German title 21 times, not winnig a trophy in two years is unacceptable. But after their heroics in Turin, the tide is slowly but surely turning for Bayern. It would be utter foolishness for the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona and other European heavyweights to not count Bayern as a genuine threat in this season’s champions league.
In Louis Van Gaal they have a manager who has loads of experience and knows what it takes to win the UCL. In Frank Ribery they have a true match winner. But make no mistake about it, Bayern are not a one man team. In fact potentially they could have one of the most lethal attacks in Europe this term.
A fully Fit Arjen Robben can break through even the most tightest of defences with apparent ease. No wonder once you come think of it, Ribery and Robben operating in tandem on either flank is a frightening proposition for any opponent.
Mario Gomez , Ivica Olic and Miroslave Klose all know where the back of the net is. If Ribery and co. cant provide the right service (which you bet they can), any team in the wold would be worried.
The partnership of Mark Van Bommel and Bastian Schweinsteiger in the middle of the park has been steadily gaining steam for Bayen this season. And with Phillip Lahm, Martin Demichelis and Daniel Van Buyten , Bayern have an experienced and able back line. The emergence of young players like Holger Badstuber and Thomas Muller can only add to the challenge that Bayern can pose this season.
Bayern will be hoping to build on that great win in Turin and use it as a spring board towards bigger and better things. Who knows what FC Hollywood has in store for us come the round of 16 of the Champions League?
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