Following our report on the whistle, we take a closer look at the game...
The match It was a cagey affair for almost an hour until the game burst into life thanks to Patrice Evra’s brilliant goal on 57 minutes. United had repelled all previous Bayern advances, with Chris Smalling typifying a resolute defensive performance. Wayne Rooney clearly wasn’t fully fit and, despite a pain-killing injection, looked like his toe injury affected him after spurning good chances in either half. It was a chance United had to take. The key for Bayern was in hitting back immediately after the restart following Evra’s goal through Mario Mandzukic. It not only loosened United’s temporary grip on the tie, it inspired Bayern to go on and win it. Within ten minutes they were in front through Thomas Muller and eight minutes later the tie was wrapped up by Arjen Robben.
The goals Evra’s strike was absolutely perfect, a thumping first-time left-foot shot from 20 yards that crashed in off the crossbar. It’s just such a shame that it came in a 3-1 defeat of this magnitude. More pertinent was the reaction to it – United’s and Bayern’s. The Reds had to see out that spell immediately following the goal and ride the wave of euphoria from such a spectacular strike; Bayern had to find a way back into the game. And did. Ruthlessly.
Star men Chris Smalling and Phil Jones both drew praise from boss David Moyes for their valiant defensive performances, while Shinji Kagawa caught the eye with his clever, agile play
The opposition Slick passing and dominance of possession came as standard. Bayern moved the ball well in tight spaces in attack and looked dangerous every time they went forward, particularly down the flanks with Robben and Ribery. That said, at times in the game, United looked to have got under their skin and after Evra scored it would be a test of their character. Unfortunately for United, they responded emphatically.
Sub-plot United boast the best away record in the Barclays Premier League this season and won 5-0 on the last trip to Germany (earlier this season against Bayer Leverkusen). Winning at Allianz Arena, against the current European champions, is another matter though, so this was always going to be a tough task. Evra's stunning opener gave the travelling Reds hope but it just served to awaken the beast: 20 minutes later, Bayern had scored three.
Move of the match A neat move in the 17th minute had the ball in the back of the net. Shinji Kagawa’s clever touch took him away from his man and after moving the ball out to the left, Rooney crossed to the far post where Antonio Valencia slid in to beat Neuer. But he was offside after Dante stepped up.
In the stands The orchestrated Bavarian support made for a brilliant atmosphere in this impressive, modern arena. United’s fans were up in the heavens with plenty of flags on show and in fine voice. The one moment of ecstasy, following Evra’s goal, was sadly short-lived.
